THE Three Towns community was left in shock after the tragic death of a teenager on Friday.

The 15-year-old, named locally as Josh McGowan, a pupil at Ardrossan Academy, died in the early hours of Friday, February 16 at his home in Simpson Drive, Saltcoats.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the young boy’s family at this very difficult time.

“We are aware that this news will affect many people in the local community and we will ensure that we continue to work with the school and community to provide support.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “At 6.20am on Friday, February 16, police received reports of the death of a 15-yearold boy at an address in Simpson Drive, Saltcoats.

“A postmortem examination will be carried out in due course and enquiries are continuing.”

The death is the second to hit the school in just four months.

In November 2017, 14-year-old Ross Gentleman was found dead within his home in Ardrossan.