HEARTBROKEN schoolkids were yesterday being offered counselling after a 16-year-old classmate was found dead in a field.

Owen MacDonald’s body was discovered next to Park Mains High, in Erskine, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police were yesterday continuing to treat his death as “unexplained” but have confirmed they do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.

Michael Dewar, headteacher at Park Mains High, confirmed that additional support was offered to Owen’s fellow pupils when they returned to lessons yesterday after the bank holiday weekend.

He added: “This is a tragic loss of a young life. The thoughts of the whole school community are with Owen’s family.”

The teenager’s body was found shortly before 6am on Sunday by three men who were making their way to a nearby petrol station.

A team of forensic officers spent several hours gathering evidence at the scene, adjacent to Rashielee Avenue.

Dozens of floral tributes had been laid out around a tree yesterday, near to where Owen’s body was found.

Also placed there were Rangers scarves and flags, in honour of the football team he followed.

Heartfelt messages were written on the bunches of flowers left out for Owen.

Daniel Chalk said: “Sleep tight bro, miss you and love you lots.”

Emma Graham said: “We have so many memories. I’m so glad I managed to meet you. Taken far too early. Love you.”

There were reports of another incident on the same night close to Lamont Farm where several youths had been fighting but it is not believed to be connected.

Barbara Campbell said she had her Evening Times delivered by Owen every night.

She said: “I found him to be pleasant and polite.

“The general feeling was he was well liked and seemed a nice lad.”

The New Erskine Parish Church will have a book of condolence open for the week from today.

Residents who lived in nearby Rashielee Drive expressed their shock at the teenager’s death.

Elizabeth Falls, 72, said: “He was a well-known lad in the area and well-liked. My granddaughter knew him as she did go to the same school.

“It’s so sad and I really feel for his family. It’s getting sadder by the day the more I find out about the guy.

“It’s quite a good area Erskine and we don’t get too much going on.”

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Following the discovery of a body near Rashielee Avenue, Erskine on Sunday, officers can confirm the body has been identified as a 16-year-old male.

“A post mortem examination has been carried out and the death is being treated as unexplained.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and enquiries are ongoing.”