Flowers and tributes are left at scene

A MOVING hand-written tribute was among flowers which have been laid at the scene where a teenaged boy was killed in Swadlincote.

Benjamin Orton, who was 17 years old, died in the attack at The Pipeworks retail park, of Coppice Side, in the town. The assault happened in an alleyway at the side of the Odeon cinema just before 10.40pm on Saturday. Ambulance crews attended but despite their best attempts to save the lad, he died at the scene.

Now flowers have been left near the alleyway, which has been closed off to allow for police forensic work to take place, in Swadlincote.

One hand-written note attached to a bunch of flowers read: “God bless you and your family, you are now safe in God’s hands.

“Word[s] can never ease your pain. All our love and prayers Doreen and Geoff xxx”

And many more people have been telling of their shock at what happened and leaving messages of sympathy and support on social media for the youngster’s family and friends.

Sonja Wardle said on Facebook: “Terrible news, kindest thoughts to his family and the emergency services we rely on in these tragic events.”

Martine Curtis-davies said: “RIP Young Man condolences to all your family/friends at this devastating time.”

And youngsters at the town’s secondary school have been offered support if they have been affected by what has happened, said a spokesman. It is not known if the victim was or had attended Pingle School in Coronation Street.

Principal at Pingle Academy Viv Sharples said: “We are aware of the tragic news that a 17-year-old lost his life on Saturday evening in Swadlincote.

“This is devastating news and our thoughts are with the family. Clearly, this will have an impact on the whole community.’

“We have told students that if they have been affected by the incident and would like support, to tell any member of staff they feel able to talk to and we will organise help.”

Others who took to social media to pay tribute to the boy included Joanne Paynter, who said: “What has this world come to? Can’t even begin to imagine what this poor boy’s family is going through right now. Poor boy hasn’t even had a life yet. RIP young man.”

Amani Whiteside said: “Thoughts go out to the young boy’s family and friends at such an awful time for any parent to go through.”