PUPILS gathered in quiet tribute to their tragic classmate Kyle Rees as they arrived at Portchester School on Wednesday morning.

As the media looked on, youngsters surrounded the mass of flowers outside the school before classes began for the day.

They hugged and consoled each other as a quiet atmosphere descended over the school gates.

The 16-year-old boy died following an incident at Portchester School in Bournemouth.

Police were called at approximately 7.30pm on Monday, following an incident earlier in the day at the school in which student Kyle Rees sustained a serious head injury.

Following the incident, which is believed to have occurred at approximately 2.10pm, Kyle was taken by ambulance to Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

He was later transferred to Southampton General Hospital where he passed away today, Tuesday 28 February. Next of kin are aware and the coroner has been informed.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident, initially for an offence of assault and subsequently on suspicion of manslaughter. He has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

A police cordon is currently in place at the school while officers investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Teachers and children have been helping police with their enquiries throughout the day.

Kim Drake, Service Director for Children’s Social Care, Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “We have set up a counselling service at the school to offer pupils, staff and parents support following this tragic incident at the school and we are currently working with both the school and the police with their investigation.”

The local Safeguarding Children's Board has been informed.

Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, Executive Head of Avonbourne International Business and Enterprise Trust, said: "Students and staff are devastated by this terrible tragedy and our hearts and prayers are very much with the boy's family and friends.

"It is difficult to know what to do for the best in these distressing circumstances but our focus must be providing as much support as possible to our close-knit school community as we all try to come to terms with what has happened.

"The next few weeks and months are going to be emotionally testing for our students and staff, but we will be doing all we can for them.

"We are also fully assisting the authorities with their investigations.

"The emergency services cannot be praised highly enough for their prompt actions at the time, and we also pay tribute to the outstanding medical help he received at hospital.

"At an appropriate time we will be celebrating his memory and life at school. He was a memorable and talented young man. He was very popular with his peers and was due to do well in his GCSEs this summer."

Comments on this story have been closed, but you can leave your messages for Kyle and his family on our tribute page here.