A woman has been detained by police after the boy was found with shocking injuries in Clackmannanshire, Scotland
A boy of five was found after suffering what has been described as a "sickening and violent death".
A woman was being held last night as police launched a murder investigation in Alva, Clackmannanshire.
Shocked emergency services personnel who dealt with the incident are being offered counselling.
One said the boy suffered a “sickening and violent death” while police described the victim as having a “significant injury”.
Emergency services rushed to the end-terrace house at 8.50am but paramedics declared the boy dead at the scene.
Carnaughton Place and nearby streets were cordoned off and forensic officers were seen searching the grass outside the flat.
Neighbour, Susan Smith told the Daily Record.: “I walked past this morning and the forensics folk, in the white suits, were out scouring the grass in front of the place for something.”
Chief Inspector Stephen Sneddon said: “On arrival, police officers found the child with a significant injury to his body and he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“Inquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing and a woman is currently detained in connection with the investigation.
“We are not currently looking for anyone else and I want to reassure the local community there is no risk to them.
"Officers will be carrying out inquiries in the area and I would ask the public to continue to give us the full support they have shown so far, to allow us to conclude these investigations as soon as possible.
“This is a quiet area and I would emphasise that this is a very unusual incident which poses no risk to others.”
Police Scotland said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
