Parents urge calm after son's murder in Gorebridge disturbance

THE parents of a teenager who died following a large-scale disturbance at the weekend have appealed for calm in the local community.

Dale Bennett, 17, died after an attack in Gorebridge, Midlothian, in the early hours of Saturday.

A 20-year-old man has appeared in court charged with his murder.

Police said "tensions" had arisen in the aftermath of the teenager's death and they urged members of the community to respect his parents' plea for people to keep calm.

Garry and Michelle Bennett said their son would not have wanted any retribution carried out.

They also urged anyone who has information and has not yet been in touch with police to come forward.

In a statement, Mr Bennett said: "Michelle and I are appealing to anyone who has information about our son's murder to come forward and speak to the police as soon as possible, and for those who are working with police to fully co-operate.

"People who knew Dale would know that he was the kind of lad who would not want any retribution sought for his death, and we would like to appeal to the local communities to respect his memory."

Dale's parents previously paid tribute to their "wonderful son" and said they were struggling to accept his death.

The teenager, from Mayfield, was allegedly stabbed during a disturbance in Newbyres Crescent at around 2.20am on Saturday.

He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later.

Brian McHale, 20, from Gorebridge, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this week charged with murder.

He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

Lothian and Borders Police said the six local councillors who represent Gorebridge and Mayfield have all expressed their condolences to Dale's family, and backed their appeal for calm.

Inspector Mike Bennett said it was important for the local community to respect the family's wishes.

He said: "We are aware that there are tensions in the aftermath of Dale's death, however it is important that everyone respects the wishes of his parents, and refrains from seeking any kind of retribution.

"It is equally important that anyone who has information about Dale's death, who has not yet been in touch with police, comes forward immediately."