Rory Blackhall: "The ideal pupil with a ready smile"

The 11-year-old's body was found in woods half a mile from his school in Livingston.

Rev Colin Douglas said: "There is evil out there prowling around and that is a huge challenge for any community to deal with."

Parents in the area have expressed fears for their children's safety, but police have offered reassurances.

Rory's body was found on Sunday in woods at the western end of Dechmont Law, between the M8 and Meldrum Primary in the Deans area of Livingston.

Police said early on Tuesday morning that he had been murdered.

He was a hard-working boy who put 100% effort into everything he did Barbara Gregor Meldrum Primary School

Mr Douglas continued: "It's a sad situation - a sad day for the town of Livingston.

"We'll all have to pull together and maybe out of this evil there will be some good to come out of it - people will work together and make this a better place."

Chief Inspector Jim Thomson said the police had taken steps to put parents minds at rest, by increasing high-visibility patrols and plain-clothes officers.

"The message to parents is quite simple," he said.

Mobile phones

"It's understandable that you may be frightened but you shouldn't imprison your children because of what might happen.

"Your children need to learn to protect themselves by remembering certain things."

The chief inspector said all youngsters should let their parents know where they were at all times, go straight to and from school and always have their mobile phones topped up with credit.

Rory is said to have been unhappy about returning to school for the new term last Thursday. There are reports that he was being bullied.

Teacher's tribute

Barbara Gregor, acting head teacher at Meldrum Primary School, paid tribute to Rory, whom she described as "the ideal pupil".

In a statement, she said: "He was a hard-working boy who put 100% effort into everything he did.

"He played a full part in the life of our school. His ready smile, sense of humour and good manners made him well liked by everyone."

The school is sending letters to all parents and counselling services will be offered if necessary.

A special school assembly will be held in the near future.