A COMMUNITY fundraising effort has been launched to support the family of Bournemouth teenager Jack Gudge who died last week.

The 17-year-old was killed near to Tesco Express in Wimborne Road, Winton, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A vigil was held for the popular Oak Academy schoolboy in Cunningham Crescent, West Howe, on Monday.

Hundreds of people came to pay their respects to the teenager and released balloons into the sky in his honour.

A moving tribute was given by members of the family who thanked all of those who had “spread this love to a son, grandson and brother”.

A JustGiving page has since been set up online with the aim of raising £2,500 for Jack’s family.

Organiser Sarah Latham said a lot of people had been affected by Jack’s death and the crowdfunding page was set up “so the people of West Howe can do something positive to help Jolene and her family.”

She intends to raise funds towards Jack’s funeral, as well as a permanent memorial for the youngster.

In a post on the fundraising website, she wrote: “He was the much-loved son of Jolene and Chris and the stepson of Wayne. His life was cut short in the most painful and heart-breaking way, and the community of West Howe in Bournemouth has come together to support the family of this very much-loved boy.

“This JustGiving page is for Jack’s family. We, the community of West Howe, would like to help Jack’s family with his funeral costs, a permanent memorial for Jack and, maybe, a break away for his family when the trial is over.

“Nothing will bring Jack back but we, as a community, can unite and show the world what being British and what a community is all about.”

Nearly 50 people have already raised £687 as of yesterday.

To make a donation to Sarah’s fundraising page, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sarah-latham-2.

Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation following Jack’s death.

Three men, aged 27, 24 and 23, and a 15-year-old boy who were arrested on suspicion of murder are currently on police bail pending further enquiries.

Further post-mortem examinations are taking place to establish the exact cause of death.