Second Teen Arrested After Murder of 16-Year-Old Kayden Moy on Irvine Beach

Police Scotland have confirmed a second arrest in the murder investigation of Kayden Moy, a 16-year-old boy fatally injured during a violent incident on Irvine Beach on May 17, 2025.

This latest development intensifies efforts to uncover the full details behind the assault that left the East Kilbride teenager critically wounded. Kayden died at Crosshouse Hospital shortly after the attack, which police believe was a targeted assault.

What Happened?

Emergency services were called to Irvine Beach around 6:45 PM following reports of a serious assault. Officers found Kayden Moy with critical injuries and transported him to hospital, where he later died.

Authorities have reassured the public that this was not a random act, and there is no broader threat to public safety.

Second Teen Arrested

On May 22, Police Scotland announced that a second 17-year-old male, also from East Kilbride, had been arrested in connection with the murder. Earlier in the week, a separate 17-year-old suspect was charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon, and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was remanded in custody following a hearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.

Police say inquiries remain ongoing.

Public Appeal: How You Can Help

Police Scotland has launched an urgent witness appeal and released the following ways for the public to assist:

• Call 101 quoting incident number 3106 of May 17
• Submit information anonymously via the Major Incident Public Reporting Site
• Contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111

“Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial,” said DCI Campbell Jackson, who is leading the Major Investigation Team.

Community in Mourning

Tributes continue to pour in for Kayden Moy. Annette Alexander, headteacher at Duncanrig Secondary School, described him as a “kind and caring young man.” Former football club Busby AFC launched a fundraiser, which has raised over £11,000 to support the Moy family.

Kayden’s father, Paul Moy, wrote on social media:

“He was my everything. Our hearts are broken.”

Residents of East Kilbride and Irvine have held vigils and expressed grief on social media platforms like X.
One user wrote: “Heartbreaking loss of a young life. Justice for Kayden.”

Scotland’s Youth Violence Crisis

This incident underscores growing concerns over youth violence in Scotland. According to the Scottish Government’s 2023 Crime and Justice Survey, violent crime among 16–24-year-olds has surged 12% since 2019.

Organisations working to combat this trend include:

• Violence Reduction Unit Scotland
• YouthLink Scotland (www.youthlinkscotland.org)
• Scottish Community Safety Network (www.safercommunitiesscotland.org)

How to Stay Safe and Informed

• Follow @PoliceScotland on social media for real-time updates.
• Report anything suspicious by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
• Join local safety boards and engage in youth-focused community initiatives.

This article is part of our Public Safety in Scotland series, offering continuing coverage on critical incidents and the community response to crime.