HUNDREDS of people released balloons into the sky above West Howe in memory of a teenage boy who died on Saturday.

Friends, family, and members of the community gathered in Cunningham Crescent to pay tribute to 17-year-old Jack Gudge who died after being attacked in Wimborne Road, Winton, just a few hundred yards from a police station. 

A spokesperson for the family thanked those who came to pay their respects at the vigil held on Monday.

They said: “We’re overwhelmed as a family by the way you have all spread this love to a son, grandson and brother.

“We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. All we can say to our beautiful Jack is ‘we love you’.”

Those last words were echoed by members of the crowd as they released the balloons. A minute’s silence was then held. 

Candles were lit and flowers laid at the edge of the football playing area where Jack’s family gathered to remember the popular Oak Academy schoolboy.

His aunt Terri Luck described him as an “amazing boy and nephew who was loved, happy and always had a smile on his face”.

Sharon Phillips, a schoolfriend of Jack’s grandmother, said the huge turnout at the vigil was testament to how loved and respected he was.

She said: “It is very sad and tragic as he was only a young lad. There are four generations of people showing their grief here.”

Hundreds of Jack’s schoolfriends were among those who paid their respects.

Lucy Casserley said she was shocked by his death, adding: “He was a “really nice, sweet person”.

Izzy said: “He was loved by everyone.”

Carolyn Edwards, whose son Calum was friends with Jack, said: "He was a really lovely, popular lad. My son is very, very sad, he was in tears. A lot of his friends who also knew Jack are devastated.

"This whole estate was sombre on Saturday. Crowds of kids were crying, it’s really saddened the community."

Her husband Roger added: “It’s a shock for these kids because I don’t think anything like this has ever happened in their short life so this is a big shock at a very important time in their life, when they’re leaving school.”

Members of staff at the Henry Brown Youth Centre, which Jack had attended since the age of five, paid tribute to the “kind” and “loveable” teenager.

“We’d like to send our condolences to the family and his brother who also works with the service.

“Jack will be remembered for his cheeky, mischievous character. You couldn’t say no to him. He was also amazing to watch when he played football.

“He had a kind streak. He was caring and a really good friend to his peers. He was well-respected and loyal.”

They added: “We’re here for the family, the community, and young people. The Henry Brown doors are open.”

Hundreds of people left tributes, flowers and balloons in memory of the teenager on Saturday night

His friends lit candles and sparklers, with his name spelled out in fairy lights.

Oak Academy, said: "Heartbroken to hear the awful news about the loss of our lovely Jack. Our community is a sadder place today. Shine bright, Jack. #RIPGudge"

And teacher Mrs Longrigg, wrote: "From the moment I first saw you and your cheeky grin bounce into my classroom in year 7, your personality shone and lit up the room.

"The world is now a dimmer place without you. Sleep easy and shine bright, lovely Jack."

Many more used the #ripgudge hashtag to post heart symbols in tribute on Twitter, and his Facebook page has also been flooded with tributes.

Four people arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail pending further investigation into how Jack died.