Tributes pour in for tragic teen Declan

The Unity College pupil had been missing since Sunday and the whole town had rallied round together as search parties scoured the area looking for him.

He was found by police officers shortly after 4pm yesterday in woodland at Rowley Park, Rowley Lane.

An “R.I.P. Declan Edwards” Facebook group already has more than 8,000 members and has been overwhelmed by the huge outpouring of grief for the popular youngster.

Cheryl Shackleton said: “Can’t put into words how sorry I am that the search came too this tragic end. Taken so young so sad my thoughts are with all his family and friends rip declan xx.”

Brenda Cunningham said: “So very sad to hear this news, so many people helped trying to find you a town bought together, Thoughts and love go out to the family and friends, R.I.P. young man.”

Dawn Lee described him as a happy, lovely lad who was always smiling.

“Declan was a very happy funny and lovely lad when I looked after him at rascals,” she said. “We certainly had a lot of laughs and he was always smiling. I just hope he is smiling down on all of us x sleep tight little man x x.”

Megan Frost added: “Declan was a wonderful and amazing lad who did not deserve this. Everyone came together and tried their best to avoid this ending. So many people worried for him and prayed for his return, sometimes it just isn’t enough in this life. He will be forever missed by everyone and it is a great loss to the town. Thoughts go out to his family now. RIP Declan, gone but never forgotten.”