Schools pay tribute to pupils killed in Solihull lake tragedy
It's after the four boys who died at Babbs Mill were named.
The schools where two of the victims of the Solihull lake tragedy attended have paid tribute them.
It after the boys who died after being pulled from a frozen lake at Babbs Mill were named by police earlier today (Thursday).
West Midlands Police said the boys were brothers Samuel Butler, six, and Finlay Butler, eight, their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and Jack Johnson, 10.
They were pulled from freezing water in Babbs Mill Lake on Sunday and rushed to hospital. The deaths of Finlay, Thomas and Jack were confirmed on Monday while Samuel died in hospital on Wednesday.
The family said: "As a family we are devastated at the loss of our beautiful boys Tom, Fin and Sam in such tragic circumstances. We would like to thank the emergency services for all they did in rescuing the boys and to the community for their support, it has been overwhelming."
Cieran Flaherty, Head Teacher at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, said: “Jack was a loving, bubbly pupil with a heart of gold. Someone who would always check in on others and make sure they were doing ok.
"He was a joy to teach and a child who we are all so very proud of. A ray of sunshine who would never fail to make us all smile. We can only say thank you to him for brightening up our lives.
“The school family remains in a state of shock at this tragic news. The school is a small close knit family and we have a strong community that in times of adversity always pulls together.
"Our motto centred around our faith is actions speak louder than words and we can all be assured that our actions and prayers will centre on supporting Jack’s family, his classmates and the whole community.
“We are working with a range of agencies and have had expert advice on how best to support our staff and children.
“On Tuesday we welcomed back all our children by holding collective worship in each class and a special service of remembrance for Jack’s classmates.
“We thank everyone for their heartfelt messages of support locally and from around the world. Please keep our community in your prayers.”
Dr Toby Close, Associate Head Teacher at Park Hall Academy, said: “It is with great sadness and the heaviest of hearts that Park Hall Academy announces the passing of our beloved Tom Stewart, aged 11.
“Tom was a well-liked, caring pupil with real character who went out of his way to look after those around him. He was a fiercely loyal friend to so many in our school community. In the short time he was at Park Hall, his outgoing personality, energy and wit shone through.
“We will miss him brightening every day with his great sense of humour. He radiated a love for learning with his infectious smile and enthusiastic manner.
“He will be greatly missed and will always hold a place in the hearts of everyone at Park Hall Academy. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time.”
The family of Samuel, Finlay and Thomas added they had been "overwhelmed" by the support from the community and thanked the emergency services for trying to save the children, with one officer suffering mild hypothermia after trying to punch through the ice in order to get the boys out as quickly as possible.
Supt Rich Harris said: "This is a tragedy beyond words and a grief that is unimaginable for the families and friends of the boys.
"The support from the community has been overwhelming, not just for the bereaved families, but also for the emergency services, for which we are extremely grateful.
"Our officers will remain in the area in the coming days. Please come and speak to us if you need to."