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Parents' tribute to barn fire teen Louis Simpson | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The parents of a teenager who died in a barn fire have said he was a "beautiful, beautiful boy". | |
Louis Simpson, 14, had been missing since a blaze broke out at Fairhurst Hall, Lancashire, on Sunday. | |
Police confirmed a body found in the building on Monday is understood to be Louis. | |
Liverpool footballer Jamie Carragher - whose son James was at the same school as Louis - also released a tribute, saying he was "absolutely devastated". | |
Louis's parents said: "It is with deep regret and heartbreak that we can confirm the tragic loss of our beautiful, beautiful boy Louis James Simpson. | |
"We are all truly devastated but want to thank our amazing family and friends for their on-going love and support." | |
A post-mortem examination is due to take place later. | |
A police spokesman said: "After an extensive search of the area, a body was recovered from the barn (on Monday). | |
"While yet to be formally identified, the body is sadly believed to be Louis. | |
"Louis' family have been informed this morning and they are being supported by specially-trained officers. Our thoughts are with them at this time." | |
In an Instagram post, Carragher said: "Absolutely devastated as a family about the news today about Louis, remember a cracking footballer for the school, holidaying with the family in Ibiza & staying over for his & James's birthday. | |
"Most of all a great kid. Thoughts to all his family & friends. | |
"R.I.P son you'll never be forgotten." | |
The cause of the fire is still being investigated but there are no suspicious circumstances, police added. | |
On Monday, Det Supt Neil Ashton said it appeared a group of friends were "playing in a rural setting" and were at the barn, which stores about 250 tonnes of straw, when the fire started. | |
A statement from Louis' school, Merchant Taylors' in Liverpool, where he was a Year 9 pupil, said: "Louis was a popular boy and known to many of our pupils. | |
"Our school community is in deep shock and we will be providing the appropriate support, advice and counselling for pupils, staff and parents over the coming days and weeks." | "Our school community is in deep shock and we will be providing the appropriate support, advice and counselling for pupils, staff and parents over the coming days and weeks." |
A book of remembrance has been made available, the school added. | A book of remembrance has been made available, the school added. |