Dad's heartache after kids' home tragedy of son, 16

Vulnerable David left in room alone for 20 mins

- Gordon Blackstock and Jennifer Hyland

A vulnerable 16-year-old boy died after a suicide attempt at a children’s home when staff left him unsupervised.

An investigation has been launched after David Scougall’s death from injuries when he attempted to take his own life at Lothian Villa children’s centre in Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, last month.

The troubled teen had been left alone in his room by social workers for up to 20 minutes after his behaviour became disruptive.

But when staff at the residential unit returned they found David, a known suicide risk, needed medical attention.

Rushed to hospital, he could not be saved and his life support machine was later switched off.

His family are now demanding to know why he was left unattended at the home, which is run by East Lothian Council.