Image caption,

People have been paying tribute to the victims since Wednesday

By Guy De Launey

BBC News, Belgrade

The aroma of burning wax wafts up the tree-lined slope of Svetozar Markovic Street in Belgrade's central Vracar district. Eventually, the source of the scent comes into view: votive candles, set against a wall of white flowers.

The illuminated tributes stretch around much of the perimeter of Vladislav Ribnikar Primary School and the neighbouring high school.

On the barriers in front of the main entrance, there are pictures of the eight children who died in Wednesday's shooting, along with handwritten messages from friends and family.

Three girls sit on the pavement, silently holding each other. A little way down the road, a father talks quietly to his three daughters as they lay flowers. There are scores of people at the scene, with a steady flow of arrivals and departures, but there is no buzz - only a hush.

The contrast to my last visit to Vladislav Ribnikar could hardly be greater. In 2013, I filmed traditional slava celebrations at the school, a joyous occasion paying tribute to St Sava through song, dance and drama.