Just over two years ago the residents of the town came together in a very obvious way to mark the passing of one of their own, 12-year-old Hugh Campbell.

Every shop closed its doors and shutters as the funeral procession marched up High Street led by the pony club.

The road was lined with mourners, and the only sound was the clatter of hooves.

Last Friday morning the same street was quiet for a very different reason. Police have alleged a 29-year-old Wauchope mechanic was attacked, without warning, while bringing his co-workers coffee and cake.

The bizarreness of the alleged behaviour belies its horrifying implications.

How can this happen in a place where community isn’t just a word, but a lived and shared reality?