Boy dies under 'giant snowball'

Peter was playing with a friend when the accident happened

A 10-year-old boy has been crushed to death by a giant snowball.

Peter Strang had been playing with a friend when the snowball, reported to weigh a quarter of a ton, rolled down a hill and engulfed him.

The accident happened at about 1745 GMT on Saturday in Torphins, Aberdeenshire, Grampian Police said. There were no suspicious circumstances.

A police spokesman said the death was "the result of a tragic accident". They have not released further details.

Special assembly

Local minister Norman Nicoll told BBC Scotland: "Torphins is a very close-knit community, so obviously the death of a very young and popular boy in such a tragic accident has left the community stunned and shocked.

"There is just a general sense of disbelief.

The snowy area in Torphins

"The task now is really to help the family, especially to come to terms with their loss.

"It is going to affect the entire community because this young lad was a very popular boy and known by so many other children."

A special assembly was held at Torphins Primary School on Monday morning.

The head teacher, Irene Reid, said Peter had a great sense of humour and was always thinking about people less fortunate than himself.

A report is to be sent to the procurator fiscal.