Tribute to 'cricket ball death' boy

Feb 29 2012

Tributes have been paid to a 16-year-old boy who died after apparently being hit on the head by a cricket ball while at school.

Kyle Rees suffered a serious head injury on Monday during the incident at Portchester School, in Bournemouth, Dorset, and died in hospital on Tuesday.

Staff and students at the school are said to be "devastated" by the death of the "memorable and talented young man".

A 16-year-old boy who was arrested in connection with the incident, initially for an offence of assault and subsequently on suspicion of manslaughter, has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Dorset Police said the incident happened at 2.10pm and Kyle was taken by ambulance to Bournemouth Hospital. He was later transferred to Southampton General Hospital where died. The force said it had been informed of the incident at 7.30pm and officers are continuing to investigate.

Teachers and children have been helping police with their inquiries and the local Safeguarding Children's Board has been informed.

Tributes to the teenager have been left on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, executive head of Portchester School, said: "Students and staff are devastated by this terrible tragedy and our hearts and prayers are very much with the boy's family and friends.

"It is difficult to know what to do for the best in these distressing circumstances but our focus must be providing as much support as possible to our close-knit school community as we all try to come to terms with what has happened.

"The next few weeks and months are going to be emotionally testing for our students and staff, but we will be doing all we can for them. We are also fully assisting the authorities with their investigations."