TRAGIC teenager Jack Gudge was kicked in the head by three men as he lay dying on the pavement, an inquest heard.

Friends of the 17-year-old told how he “flopped to the ground like there was a weight in his body” after being punched in the face.

They said three men then continued to kick him before making off from the scene of an altercation outside Tesco Express in Winton, Bournemouth.

Assistant Dorset coroner Richard Middleton heard Jack and a group of his friends had been to a house party in Moordown on the night of July 15 last year and had consumed alcohol and cannabis.

After leaving the party they walked through Winton and Jack, described as "really drunk", removed clothing from his top half.

His friends told the inquest, which started at Weymouth magistrates' court that Jack was in good spirits and was telling all his friends how much he loved them.

They said that as they neared the Tesco store he crossed the road towards a group of people and was heard to shout "come on then" before he was punched by a man in a white shirt.

Jack's girlfriend, Nicole Kearley, said someone then shouted "that's what you get for being cheeky" after Jack "flopped to the ground."

The friends, some of whom cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the inquest that Jack was unconscious and that they didn’t think he was breathing.

And Jack’s mum, Jolene Keenan, told the coroner that she received a hysterical phone call from another friend who said: “He’s not breathing – it’s Jack – he’s on the floor.”

Mrs Keenan added: “The whole event is a mother’s worst nightmare, something I will never forget.”

Emergency services were called and Jack, of Pilot Hight Road, Bournemouth later died of brain injuries and cardiac arrest.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of murder. Three men, aged 27, 24 and 21, and a 15-year-old boy were later released without further action. Police have since announced that no one will face trial in relation to Jack's death.

The inquest will continue on Tuesday with the four people who were arrested due to give evidence.