THE sudden death of a 15-year-old Welshpool boy over the Christmas holidays has “shaken the community”, police have said.

In a statement Dyfed Powys Police say they attended the 15-year-old Welshpool High School pupil’s home address on Monday, December 24, after responding to an emergency services call.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance, where he died on Saturday, January 5.

Police say the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Specialist police officers are supporting the family and working with the school and the local authority to support the children and staff affected by what has happened.

Detective Chief Inspector Jacqui Lovatt said officers were following “all lines of inquiry” in relation to the incident.

“The 15-year-old boy’s death has shaken the local community and on behalf of Dyfed-Powys Police I offer my deepest sympathy to his family,” she said.

“We are following-up all possible lines of enquiry to establish a picture of what happened in the lead-up to his death.

“We are working closely with the school and the local authority to support the school children affected by this upsetting event.”

In a letter to parents, Welshpool High School’s headteacher Jim Toal described the incident as ‘devastating’, and said counselling and support was being offered to pupils who were returning from their Christmas break this week.

“It is with deep regret that I write to inform you of the very sad news that a student in Year 10 passed away over the Christmas holidays,” he said.

“This is, of course, devastating news for the family concerned, and we are doing everything we can to liaise with and support the family at this very difficult and distressing time.

“All of the students in school have been notified of this tragic news, and support has been put in place, which will continue for the foreseeable future, including the use of outside agencies and counselling services.”

The school have urged parents to contact them or their GP if their children are in need of support.