Tributes paid to boy with ‘cheeky smile’ who died after fire

A GROWING number of tributes were being left yesterday at the scene of a fire in Leeds which claimed the life of a young boy.

Alex Clarke, inset, was being treated for burns and smoke inhalation in hospital when he passed away on Monday.

The five-year-old had been rescued from his family’s home in Second Avenue, Rothwell, on Sunday night.

Flowers, balloons and teddy bears lay in the garden of the house yesterday along with a number of condolence messages.

One handwritten tribute said: “Today it would have been wonderful to see you play or smile but heaven lent you to this world just for a while and that short and precious time you brought along much love and all that love is with you now in heaven up above. You are leaving us with so many tears and such a lot of pain but God needed one more angel.”

A former neighbour, who visited the scene as her children left flowers and blue balloons in the garden, said Alex’s family were “doing as well as they can”.

“My little girl was in Alex’s class,” she said. “It is something you don’t expect, they are such a lovely family.”

Writing on Facebook, one family member said on Monday night: “This is one of the saddest days our family has had. Gutted is a understatement. We love and miss you so much wee man.”

A crowdfunding appeal has also been set up in the wake of the tragedy as the local community offers its support. The online appeal, set up on the JustGiving website by Oulton Primary Parents, aims to raise £3,000 for Alex’s family. More than £650 had been donated already last night, with the Morrisons Distribution Centre in Wakefield giving £250 from its community fund.

One donor, Tash Reece, wrote: “Such a cheeky little smile. We will never forget you.”

Meanwhile, investigations were continuing yesterday into how the fire began.

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman previously said: “Smoke alarms were fitted and working, and our fire investigators are working with the police to ascertain the cause and origin of the fire.”