A 10-year-old boy has died and an eight-year-old girl is fighting for her life after an incident at a house in Coupar Angus.
A massive police response was sparked at a Union Street property after a member of the public raised the alarm at 2.30am.
Officers found the children, including a third injured youngster, at the house and an injured man nearby.
The boy died at the scene, while girl was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where her injuries are described as life-threatening.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Deputy First Minister of Scotland John Swinney said he was "horrified" by the news.
He said: “I am horrified by the news emerging from Coupar Angus this morning that a child has lost his life and another child is in a critical condition.
“This is devastating news and my heart goes out to the children and their family and friends.
“The Coupar Angus community is so close to home for me and the news is literally impossible to comprehend.
“I urge anyone with relevant information to share that with Police Scotland. I will do all that I can to help everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Chief Inspector Ian Scott said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the young boy who has died in this incident and with the young girl who remains in a serious condition in hospital.
“I can confirm that a 37 year old man has been arrested in connection with this incident.
“Enquiries are ongoing however I believe this to have been an isolated and contained incident with no threat to the wider public.
“There will be a police presence at the scene for some time while we undertake our investigation and I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we carry out our work.
“There will be additional patrols by local community based officers in Coupar Angus to help provide some reassurance to the community.
“If anyone heard or saw anything in the Union Street area, who hasn’t already spoken with officers, I would ask that they call Police Scotland on 101 (ref 0611 of 11 Nov) with details.”
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