“KYLE would have been so happy”.

Those were the words of heartbroken mum Tanya Cooper as she thanked Bournemouth for its support in the wake of the tragic death of her son, Kyle Rees.

Although too upset to talk at length yesterday, Tanya told the Daily Echo: “The whole family appreciates all the support, he would have been so happy to know that everybody was thinking of him.”

Later in the day, she made a tearful visit to Portchester School, to view tributes and meet with staff.

Kyle’s elder brother, Jason Coles, led emotional tributes to his sibling on Facebook.

He said: “We loved him as did so many people. Those who did not meet him I am sorry for, he was cheeky, charming and amazing.

“He lived life incredibly in the way that everyone should, to its fullest. I love him and I miss him a lot.”

Kyle, 16, died on Tuesday after an incident at Portchester School on Monday that left him with serious head injuries.

A 16-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has been released on police bail until the end of May.

Sources close to the school have dismissed claims of a mass brawl as “nonsense” and have criticised “highly inaccurate” reporting by some parts of the media.

One report talked of a fight involving 30-40 children on the afternoon of Kyle Rees’ death at the all-boys school in Harewood Avenue.

Police said Kyle collapsed in the playground around 2.10pm.

He was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital then transferred to Southampton Hospital. He died surrounded by his family.

The Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Connolly, said: “Teachers and pupils who were at the scene continue to assist with a number of lines of inquiry.

“The police cordon has been lifted but officers will be conducting further enquiries in the coming days and we will continue to provide a visible presence in the area to reassure people.”

National and local media were gathered outside the school yesterday morning as pupils surrounded the masses of floral tributes outside.

Kyle lived in Charminster with his mum Tanya, two brothers and his sister.

Yesterday police were on scene and the atmosphere was quiet as pupils looked at the tributes, hugging and consoling each other.

Bournemouth Borough Council said counsellors were drafted into the school yesterday to be on hand to offer support to those affected by Kyle’s tragic death.

Jane Portman, Service Director for Children and Families Service, said: “This is a very sad and tragic incident and our thoughts are with Kyle’s friends and family at this difficult time.

“We are working very closely with the school and we have already drafted in counsellors who will be on hand to offer support to pupils, staff and parents.”

A post mortem examination was carried out in Bournemouth yesterday afternoon by Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Russell Delaney and an inquest is likely to be opened and adjourned at some point today, when the exact cause of death will be revealed.

You can leave your messages for Kyle and his family on our tribute page .