The family of a 14-year-old boy who died of an injury he received playing football at school say they have been “touched” by tributes left by classmates.

Sugenth Jeyakumar died in his father’s arms in hospital last Wednesday after he was injured playing football at Whitmore High School, in Porlock Avenue.

Since his death nearly 3,000 people have 'liked' a tribute page on social media website Facebook and more than 300 classmates and others at the school have left comments to pay their respects.

Speaking to the Harrow Times, Sugenth's brother Rijenth Jeyakumar, 21, said: “The whole family have been absolutely devastated.

“He was a quiet boy around the house and he would always keep himself to himself at home.

“What has really helped has been seeing the kind words people have written about him on the Facebook page.

“We have found out about a side to him which we never knew he had and the tributes have really touched the whole family and helped us through this difficult time.

“People have said he helped them out with homework and would give tuition. It really surprised us because we never knew he did that.

“I have to say it put a smile on my face to know people cared about him so much.

“He loved going to school. It was hard to get him away from it. He would always be up early in the morning ready to go.”

On Friday last week, Whitmore High School had a non-uniform day at which some pupils wore a piece of black clothing in memory of Sugenth.