Police in the woods where Rory Blackhall was found dead

Driving past the site where Rory died, seeing the police vehicles and officers surveying the vicinity, was one of the most crushing things I have had to witness.

If there is one thing touching the heart of people in Livingston right now it is the death of Rory.

You suddenly worry about your children walking themselves to school and back. You wonder if you have made it clear to them, not to talk to or go with strangers.

For a young child it is hard to comprehend that even your neighbour cannot be trusted. It always happens on TV and suddenly it is at your doorstep.

It has been five days since Rory's disappearance and I find it shocking that there has been no communication from the local school.

I do not know if the children have been made aware of this tragedy, I have not received a letter from the school, advising me of precautions that should be taken.

'Harsh realities'

As a logical thinking parent, I know to talk to my children, present them the facts in a way they will understand the need to take care.

But there are more unfortunate children out there who are forced by circumstance to take care of themselves for a good part of the day. There are parents out there, who might not want to confront their children with such harsh realities.

Rory Blackhall went missing after being dropped off at school

Though Rory has been the first incident involving the brutal death of a child I have heard of locally, similar dangers to our children occur nationwide.

I would very much support an ongoing awareness scheme at schools to alert the children, those who are the ones hurt most by such malicious individuals as the murderer or murderers of Rory.

Does it really take reality to come so close to us to remind us that we do not live in a perfect world and make us aware of the need to protect our children?

Talk to them, they understand more than we adults give them credit for.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and are not endorsed by the BBC.

A selection of your comments on Lorraine Conn's article are published below.

It wouldn't have made any difference if the school had contacted Rory's parent's to let them know he wasn't in school. What would his parents have done, they would have waited to pick him up at the end of the day and ask him why he was playing truant. Even if they had contacted the police, they would have told them to wait and see if he turns up at the end of the school day. Let's not be so naive here. Do people not think that those at the school are going through a hard enough time without being singled out for blame. These people knew Rory, they are hurting, what use is it to point the finger and say "you should have done this". It would have made no difference.
Peter, Livingston

I was totally stunned to hear the news of Rory's death. I was told of him being found whilst I was at Deans High School waiting to help search for him. I have lived in Livingston all my life and as a parent (17 & 10) I have always, without scaring my kids, warned them of the dangers. No-one could comprehend the heart breaking finale this story would bring to Livingston. As a close-knit community, we are devastated for the loss of one of our own. My prayers thoughts and tears go out to Rory entire family, especially his parents and his brother.
Angela Hunter, Livingston

We put microchips in our pets, have tracker systems on our cars - so why don't we do this to our children? Aren't our children more precious and important than those items?
Working mum, Glasgow

I would just like to say my sincerest sympathies to the family of Rory. I also didn't know them but I work up in Deans and I just cant stop thinking about it from morning till night I hope to god whoever did this gets caught and punished. R.I.P Rory God bless you.
Caroline Roberts, Livingston

I live in Canada and our schools here are required to call the home by 930am if the child is not at school. They first call the home, then the parents at work and then any cell numbers provided. If there is no response, they will then call those who have been listed as emergency contacts. Emergency contacts include 3 people other than the parents. So there is a good safety net here and truancy rates are pretty low. Perhaps the U.K needs to adopt similar measures.
Cheryl, Canada

Many schools in the Moray area of Scotland have a text message system for absent pupils. After registration a text message is sent to the parents of the absent pupil. If your child is absent in good reason i.e. sickness the parent knows to ignore the message, however if the child is thought to be at school by the parent and they receive the message they know that there child has not attended school and they can try and track them down as they might just be truant. I think this policy should be in force in all schools throughout the country. At least you know if your child is safe. RIP Rory, such a tragedy. My thoughts are with your family. Stay safe. x
L Campbell, Moray, Scotland

I stay very close to where Rory was found. I have walked that path and all the surrounding area for years when my own two sons were small and it is sickening to think that people are now frightened to walk about Livingston which has beautiful wooded areas. My thoughts are very much with Rory's family and I can't get the poor wee soul out my head. The one thing with this tragedy is that it has pulled everyone in the community together and you just have to look at all the flowers and tributes to see how this has affected everyone. God bless you Rory x
Margaret McCrimmon, Deans, Livingston

When a tragedy like this occurs it again highlights the times in which we live. Many people, adults & children alike, seem to think they are above the law and do not think of the consequences of their actions. My son's school implemented an alert system last year. A number of contacts are listed and they are either called or sent a text message if your child does not attend school that morning. An idea like this could put a lot of parents minds at rest. My thoughts and sympathy are with Rory's family at this time, I can't begin to imagine their pain.
Gillian Rooney, Kirkintilloch

I think that Brian from Paisley has completely missed the point. Even if no mother worked, her child would still need to go to school. I work full-time and I manage with both my child and a career. Yes, the school is not to blame for someone doing this horrible thing to a child but they should have had a procedure in place to alert parents if their child is absent. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rory's family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Mother and career holder, Falkirk

I really liked the article. I wish horrible things like these could stop. I cannot stop thinking about all the lovely faces of these poor kids who died. I will never forget August 2002 when it was Holly and Jessica, and Sarah Payne, and more... All I can say is Rest in Peace little Rory. My thoughts and heart are with your family.
Jules, Liverpool

As a child I spent many hours playing in the local woods. I would get up in the morning, have breakfast and go out, turn up for lunch then be off again. As an adult now with sons of my own I don't understand how the world has changed so rapidly from a safe environment to one of danger and fear. I don't let my sons (9 and 5) go out by themselves, I walk them to there friends and pick them up again afterwards. If they go out to play someone, either my wife or I go with them to keep an eye on them. Is the world a more dangerous place now than it was 30 years ago or are we now better informed? Were there less paedophiles then or is it we just didn't know what we do now? Since the death of Rory I have taken to walking my eldest son back and forth to school, with his little brother who has just started primary one, he had been going himself but now this has happened. Where are our children safe now?
Colin, Scotland

First of all, our thoughts and sympathies go the family of Rory at this terrible time. I originate from Livingston and two of my children still attend Meldrum Primary School. It is beyond comprehension and devastating in this day and age that a 10-year-old can disappear on the way to school. Like most parents I am sure, the thought is terrifying that someone living amongst us carried out this horrendous act and we must all strive to bring them to justice quickly. I echo the sentiments of many contributors to this page, in other countries, when a child does not attend school without prior permission to be absent, the school contacts the parents or nominated responsible individual. It is time to wake up and make use of the technology around us, rather than tightening the grip on the hands of our children.
Ross N, Brussels, Belgium.

I also grew up in Deans, Livingston and went to Meldrum Primary School. When we were younger we used to play at the exact spot Rory was found. We never used to worry about such things. It is tragic. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Yvonne, Livingston

Our thoughts are with Rory's family at this sad time. Although these incidences are rare it is becoming very hard to let our children off the leash. My son went to school with Sarah Payne and we live very close to where Milly Dowler disappeared, so I know how scary this can be. I find it very difficult to relax when my son is out and find myself starting to panicky if he is slightly late (he is almost 14). If any student from my son's school is not in for registration the parent is contacted to find out why, I think this system should be in place at all schools. I am not sure how we can stop these monsters but I think there needs to be harsher punishments for those convicted of these offences.
Terr, Walton-on-Thames

I have read the comments being made and the slights being made to the school in that they didn't contact Rory's parents immediately he didn't arrive at school to check why he wasn't there. I feel that they are inappropriately trying to apportion blame to a group of people who are probably blaming themselves already! I work in a secondary school on the outskirts of Manchester and there IS a policy there to check up on absentees, however this ISN'T calling every single set of parents whose child hasn't arrived at school on the first day of their absence. When the pupils start at school they are told that if they are going to be absent from school then their carer must call school to let school know, but some don't. They may be busy or forget, but as someone mentioned, you have to do it for work. Why is a child's schooling not as important? We have a system in place where some regular "offenders" are called on the first day of absence but most are only chased up if we haven't heard from their parents' after a few days. I would think that this is something that most school would do for most pupils for whom absence is an infrequent matter. Blaming Rory's school for their alleged lack of regard is misguided, although understandable in such a time of shock and grief. I only hope that in the days to come that the perpetrator of this most dreadful crime is apprehended so that the children of Livingston can be safe again. My thoughts and prayers go to Rory's family.
Deborah, Manchester

I just got back from a month's holiday in Scotland. Actually I stayed two doors away from Meldrum Primary school, in a house in Westwood Park. I just cannot believe the school policy on absent children. Over here in Japan if your child is absent at morning registration, for no reason, the teacher immediately calls the parents to make sure everything is okay. It may not have helped little Rory on this occasion, but it would have sure alerted the police etc a whole lot quicker to his disappearance. My heart goes out to Rory's family.
Lynn, Hashimoto, Japan

Please don't blame the school - it won't help anything

I went to Meldrum Primary and Deans High and now live in Edinburgh. My parents live close to where Rory was found, and regularly walk the path as it is a favourite walk of theirs on a summer's evening. I have read papers that describe the area as a forest, with "scary" woodland paths and I can't believe it's the same place i used to play. We were always allowed out to play, and explored the woods around Deans and Dechmont most evenings and weekend, building gang huts, and walking through overgrown paths where we once found a stash of computers that had been stolen during a spate of burglaries (we also found a lawnmower which we returned to our neighbour). Even finding stolen goods at the age of 10 didn't result in my parents stopping us from playing in the woods, and now, as a result of this horrible thing, a generation of young children will be kept to their back gardens. How can a community move on from this? That particular area of Deans has always had a pretty good community spirit - neighbours tend to be quite quiet, but still look out for one another. Please don't blame the school - it won't help anything. Perhaps schools should be contacting the parents around an hour after school has started to allow for genuine late-comers to arrive. It's important however, to realise that this is quite new! A huge fence was put around the school a few years ago, closing it off completely. When I was there, if our ball went into the woods, we got it back. Now, the school feels separated from the grounds around it. Perhaps that's what is necessary now in 2005, but whoever would have thought that kids would not be safe walking to and from school? Students that were walking to the High School that morning, some of you will have seen this wee boy! So many students would have been walking to Deans High, so search your memories and let's find the person that did this. Then perhaps, Deans can go back to the relaxed community it was before.
Karen, Edinburgh (formerly Deans, Livingston)

All I have to say is RIP Rory and why did the school not contact the wee lad's parents when he didn't turn up? If they did he could have been saved. My auntie, uncle and their children live in Deans. It's terrible happening so close to where I visit.
Jenni N, South Queensferry

I also live very close to where Rory was found and, as everyone is, am in shock that this could have happened on our own doorsteps. In an ideal world I agree that immediate contact should be made with parents when children don't turn up at school. Unfortunately many schools don't have the physical or financial resources to put such a system into place. It is unfortunate too that Brian thinks parents are putting their careers before their children - most of us have to go to work (which doesn't make us bad parents) and I'm sure this comment won't offer much solace to poor Rory's already distraught mother.
Fiona, Livingston

I didn't know Rory or his family but my thoughts are with them all at this sad time. It is a horrendous thing to happen and I hope that whoever committed this horrible crime will be brought to justice. The whole community has pulled together through this tough time and we will not rest until this evil person is caught. Sweet dreams Rory, you will be sadly missed.
Fiona, Deans, Livingston

I have just moved to Livingston, where I work as a teacher. I am also a mother. My heart goes out to the family. I also agree that procedures for reporting children absent should be updated. Parents need to try and inform schools as soon as possible if their children are going to be absent that day and schools need to call as soon as the register is taken and an absence is noted. It's a sad day when you can't even let your children walk to school, go to the play park, or visit a friend on their own. And the woolly liberal government need to look at procedures for dealing more severely with murders and sex offenders. My heart goes out to Rory's family and friends. God bless.
A teacher and mother, Livingston

I also live in Livingston with a 12-year-old son. Why did the school not contact the parents when Rory failed to turn up? All schools should have a system in place to page/leave a message on a mobile or home phone when pupils don't turn up for school. Had this happened it could have saved this wee lad's life.
E Poynter, Livingston

Every community, no matter how safe they think they are must be thrown into fear when reading about the tragic loss of such a young life. Looking at Rory most of us can relate to a son, nephew or neighbourhood child. His lovely boyish smile reminding us how easily evil can strike and change lives forever. God bless Rory.
Elaine Hubbard, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

My family live in Deans, Livingston, I often visit and i am deeply shocked by what has happened. I didn't know Rory but I would just like to say that his family are in my thoughts, my heart goes out to them and I hope they can get through this sad, sad time. Sending them love and best wishes, justice will be done I'm sure.
Sam, Manchester

Words cannot express how sad I feel for the family and friends of Rory. As a working single mother I often drop my son at a short distance from school and trust that he is going to be safe and "in loco parentis" for the rest of the day. Surely lessons need to be learned and PLEASE all local authorities and schools take up the idea of contacting parents of ANY child that does not turn up for school. We have to call our work if we are not going to make it in so why not insist parents contact schools if the child is ill? Don't know what else to say really as it is too horrible to contemplate.
Lorna, Edinburgh

A very good article by Lorraine which I enjoyed reading. However, we once again see that which is all too prevalent these days, namely parents putting the responsibility for their children on others. Yes the school could introduce awareness lessons for children but the bottom line is that parents have to accept more responsibility for their children's safety and actions. There is far too much blaming of social workers, the school etc, when tragedies like this happen. Parents should do some parenting - make a choice - children or a career but not both at the same time.
Brian, Paisley

Firstly, my thoughts and prayers are with Rory's parents and immediate family. There is very little (directly) that could have been done, but for the school not to report absence to the parents is very worrying. We entrust our children to the care of a school. My son's school texts and phones my work (auto dialler) to inform if he is late. Initially you think "oh the hassle" but the system works. My fear is that ultimately we will see a situation as in Japan where schools have complete CCTV surveillance and the school provides bags to the kids which have tags, which activate an alarm if the child leaves school. My family sends out deepest sympathy. Where is society taking us and the innocence that there once was?
Andrew, Edinburgh

As a young person myself this has opened my eyes to see what heartless monsters there are out there! Sitting back and watching this person getting away with this is so frustrating and I am sure everyone feels like this. I could not even start to believe how Rory's family feel losing such a brilliant child. I don't know Rory or his family personally but this has touched me and more people that could be imagined. All I can say is that we will all do our best to track this evil evil person down so he does not strike again even though it should not have happened in the first place. Rory R.I.P and we will find this monster who did this to you to put your soul at rest! U will always be loved!!
Megan, Harthill

Like others have already said, I grew up in Livingston as well. The dreadful act has brought home to me the number of times I walked home from school alone - not a huge distance, but longer than half a mile. Added to that, I remember playing with my friends until late at night - often without adults around (although our parents always knew where we were). I have no children of my own but my heart goes out to Rory's family and all those who are affected. I hope that justice is brought on whoever did this.
Suzanne, Norwich

I am deeply saddened by the death of Rory, my thoughts are with his family. I was born and brought up in Livingston and I walked half a mile to school every day on my own from the age of five. It is so different now I'm a grown woman of 23 and I wont even go to the local shop on my own. What the hell is the matter with society that these monsters feel the need to take the life of another human being let alone an innocent child? I am angry, sad and disgusted. The killer must be caught, we must have justice for Rory and his devastated family.
Lyndsay, Derby (Livingston originally)

I live very close to where Rory's body was found and each day I walk under the underpass and halfway along the path and it turns my blood cold. I don't have children but I feel apprehensive that this has happened right on your doorstep. I don't know the family but rest assured that the whole of Livingston community is praying for them and our thoughts are with them. The evil shall be caught.
Pauline Lawrie, Deans, Livingston

I moved to Livingston three years ago with my three children. What has happened to Rory is devastating beyond comprehension. An innocent child, a good kid, no future to look forward to now. I personally did not know Rory or his family but know people who knew Rory from school and he was a lovely child. It should not have happened and should not happen to any child. All of us here in Livingston are so sad and are constantly thinking about Rory and everyone who knew and loved him. Justice must be done! God bless you Rory.
Isobel, Livingston

Not only is this story shocking and deeply sad, but so is the fact that, as Lorraine Conn rightly points out, we now have to teach our children that they cannot totally trust. What a world! Whilst driving home the other day, prior to this story, my 15-year-old daughter asked me why, when people are told not to talk to strangers, do we see so many people on the road hitch-hiking? I replied that I thought it must be a matter of trust and that basically most people in the world are honest and kind. However, it was a dangerous thing to do. On reflection I realise that I, like most parents I expect, are constantly giving my children conflicting information. So what do we do? Do we tell them not to trust anyone, ever? That being said, I agree talking to them is vital, communication is imperative as is the deep hope that the messages we pass on are clear and heard without causing fear and creating a generation who views everyone with suspicion. My deepest sympathies to the family, I can only imagine their pain.
Fiona Sharp, South Wales (originally Edinburgh)

Lorraine suggests that it has taken a tragedy like this to come so close to make us aware of the dangers our children face. But have we already forgotten Jodi Jones of Dalkeith, only three years older than Rory when she was murdered? Or five year-old Caroline Hogg who was abducted from Portobello and murdered by Robert Black in 1983? Both incidents happened not so very far from Livingston. But I also think it is important to retain a sense of perspective, and that these incidents are isolated and tragic. But we should still learn from it, as far as reporting children absent from school to their parents goes.
Jan, Penicuik, Midlothian

A very good article. I'm from Edinburgh and this murder of a wee schoolboy is as chilling as Jodi Jones and Caroline Hogg before her. It's acts like these that make me want to go as far as becoming a police officer. I don't understand how there can be evil like this in this day and age. Truly horrible. My thoughts go out to Rory's family.
Steven Manson, Edinburgh

I too share the concerns and fears of Lorraine Conn. I grew up in Livingston and have lived here most of my life and nothing like this has happened during my time. This is not something which you expect to happen on your doorstep, this is something which you see on the news and think is sad, but when it happens in your neighbourhood it is devastating. I did not know Rory, I do not know his family, but they should be assured that the whole community in Livingston will not rest until the monster who lives amongst us is caught. Someone knows who did this and they will be brought to justice, they must be for Rory and for all of our children's sakes.
Pete, Livingston