FLORAL tributes have been left following the death of a teenage boy in Bournemouth.

Mehmet Altun, 13, died after being admitted to hospital on Thursday following a suspected drug overdose.

Flowers, cards and candles have been left outside the Premier Kinson Convenience Store in Wimborne Road which is owned by the teenager’s family

One message read: “You don’t know me but my heart is broken for your loss.”

Another said: “Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Fly high young man.”

Posting on social media, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “This is an absolute tragedy. For a 13 year old to lose their life in such a way, is both shocking and deeply saddening. My thoughts are with Mehmet's family and friends.”

Police have launched an investigation into Mehmet’s death.

Dorset Police received a report from the ambulance service that they were attending a local boy who was “extremely unwell” in Columbia Road at 5.08pm on Thursday, August 19.

A 14-year-old boy from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug of class A and is helping officers with their enquiries.

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police, said: “This is a very tragic incident with such a young life being lost and my thoughts go out to Mehmet’s family and friends.

“Officers are making enquiries into the circumstances of Mehmet’s death. A post-mortem examination has not yet taken place, but we currently suspect that he died of a drugs overdose.”

DI Third added: “I would like to stress that it has not been confirmed yet why Mehmet died. However, I would like to use this opportunity to remind everyone of our advice. Anyone thinking of taking substances, please think again. You can never be sure what you are taking when you use illegal substances and the side-effects are unpredictable and potentially may have tragic consequences.

“Officers from the neighbourhood policing team will be visible to support the community. Please speak to them if you have any information or concerns about you, a family member or friend. Police can refer to support networks or groups who can help."

Police believe Mehmet went out with his bike between approximately 12.10pm and 1.45pm. The bike is described as an orange/red mountain bike with two different types of wheels.

Anyone who saw Mehmet during that time and can help establish where he went and whether he met up with anyone, can contact police.

To contact Dorset Police, visit dorset.police.uk, email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting occurrence number 55210134131.

Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.