“KYLE will be in our hearts forever”.

Those were the words of the heartbroken dad of tragic Kyle Rees, the teenager who lost his life in an incident at Portchester School, Bournemouth, last week.

Kyle died at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday last week after the incident the previous day at the all-boys school in Harewood Avenue.

Both mum, Tanya Cooper and dad, John Rees have made public their feelings over the weekend.

Mr Rees said: “On behalf of myself, Kyle’s step mum, grandparents and family, we would like to thank everybody for all the support and love which has been shown for my son.

“He was so loved by everyone and he was such a special boy. Words are not enough to describe how desperately he will be missed. Kyle will always be in our hearts forever.”

An inquest that was opened and adjourned on Friday heard that Kyle was struck on the side of the head by an indoor practice cricket ball.

The hearing was told that Kyle, of Nortoft Road, Charminster, died in hospital at 1pm on Tuesday.

Dorset Police are conducting an investigation on behalf of the coroner and a full inquest will be held at a later date.

Masses of tributes have been left outside Portchester School in memory of Kyle, and messages continue to pour in on a Facebook page set up in the wake of his death.

Books of condolence and memory boards have been placed at Portchester and neighbouring girls’ school, Avonbourne.

Mum Tanya, whose statement was issued yesterday evening said: “We would like to say thank you to all of the people who tried to help our darling Kyle.

“He was cared for in a very gentle, tender and loving way by them all.

“Also, we would like to send our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all of the loving wishes and beautiful words.

“This would have meant the world to Kyle, as it does to us, to know how many others loved him.

“Words cannot be found to explain how much he loved us or how much love we have for him. Our lives will always be emptier without Kyle.

“His energy, laughter, jokes, dancing and his smiles, kisses and cuddles will be eternally missed by us all.

“We would like to send love and best wishes to all of the children and their parents on the paediatric ward at Southampton General Hospital, we are thinking of you all.

“Our hearts go out to all family and friends who suffer such a tragic loss.”

Mrs Cooper also paid tribute to police officers Andy Shah and Sarah Gedge.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and has been released on bail pending l further enquiries.