Police probe sick taunts

Ally McGilvray • Published 20 Jan 2012 09:30 0 Comments

POLICE have confirmed they are probing a report that malicious messages were posted on a website paying tribute to a teenager found dead at his home in Galashiels at the weekend.

The body of 14-year-old Matt Lochrie was discovered on Sunday at around 8.20am.

And, this week, a page was set-up on social-networking site Facebook in his memory.

However, it is alleged that a visitor to the site, who we cannot name for legal reasons, mocked his death with a series of sick messages. And now an investigation has been launched.

In a statement released to the Border Telegraph, a police spokesperson said: "Police attended at an address in the Catrail Road area of Galashiels at around 8.20am on Sunday after the body of a 14-year-old boy was discovered.

"There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."

But they added: "Officers are also investigating following a report that offensive messages relating to this incident were posted on Facebook and enquiries are now ongoing."

Meanwhile, tributes have been flooding in for the former Galashiels Academy pupil following his unexpected death, which has left the local community shocked.

Matt was described as a "cheeky chap" who was "always smiling" by his rugby coach. And many friends have also left their own personal tributes.

Moving footage showing photographs of the teenager enjoying life has also been posted on video-sharing website YouTube. We have posted a link to the video, entitled "Matt Lochrie - Gone But Never Forgotten", on the Border Telegraph's Facebook page.

Ian Millar, Youth Development Officer at Gala Rugby Club, said: "Matt will be sadly missed by all who knew him, a cheeky chap always smiling. He thoroughly enjoyed his rugby playing for both the Gala Red Triangle and Galashiels Academy. Our thoughts are with his family and team mates at this tragic time."

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