Walsall lake tragedy: Tributes pour in for Spencer Hurst

These are the heartbreaking words of the girlfriend of Spencer Hurst as tributes have poured in for the 15-year-old.

Lacey Rolston, from Walsall, has led the tributes to her boyfriend after his tragic death on Tuesday night.

Spencer got into difficulties after swimming in Ryders Hayes Mear, Pelsall, with friends. His body was recovered from the water around an hour after the alarm was raised.

She posted a picture of Spencer on social media with the caption: "This won't ever feel real, I miss you so much already. I'm lost for words and broken. You will always hold the most special place in my heart. Until the day we meet again baba."

Yesterday an emotional Hollie Hurst, Spencer's sister, described how she and him were 'like twins' and said he was very protective of her.

Speaking at Ryders Hayes Mere, where her brother's body was found, Hollie added: "He was really funny, cheeky and very polite.

Also at the lake yesterday leaving a floral tribute was 31-year-old Hayley Peakman, the mother of Spencer's close friend Josh Peakman, aged 14.

Ms Peakman broke down in tears as she told the Express & Star how Josh had been with Spencer at the lake earlier in the day.

She said: "I'm in shock. It doesn't feel like it's happened. It feels like a prank.

"He was a top lad. He was one of the lads. He loved boxing.

MORE: Boxing club pays tribute to Spencer Hurst

MORE: 'They tried to grab his hand and he went under'

MORE: Here's the official advice on staying safe around water

MORE: Aldridge headteacher's tribute to Spencer Hurst

"Everyone loved him, he was always the joker.

"He was just having a laugh, being one of the lads. It's unbelievable. He was very healthy, very fit.

"You don't think your son is going to go out one day and never come back.

"My son had a phone call to say what was happening. When he got there he had been pulled out.

"He couldn't see anything, there were too many people there.

"It's just heartbreaking for a 14-year-old to lose his friend."

Spencer had recently joined Aldridge School and was in year 10 preparing to sit some of his GCSEs.

David Mountney, the headteacher of the academy, said the 15-year-old will be 'missed by all'.

He said in a statement: "It is with deep regret that I write to let you know of the tragic death of one of our Year 10 pupils, Spencer Hurst.

"When someone so young dies it obviously impacts heavily on their family but also on the wider community especially their school.

"We have provided counselling services and have spoken to pupils about the importance of caring for each other, ours is a community which prides itself on such support even at times of challenge.

"Spencer had only joined us this year but had already established a strong friendship group within our school. We know he will be missed by all of us, and our sympathies are with his immediate family and friends."

Walsall Football Club, who Spencer supported, said it was 'deeply saddened' by the news. A spokesman added: "Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time."

Friends of Spencer took to social media to pay heartfelt tributes to the teen.

Hollie Robbins, from Walsall, said 'heaven had gained another angel', adding: "Can't put into words how broke I am. It's killing me knowing we're not going to see you again. You never failed to put a smile on my face and I looked up to you as my little brother. I knew you since primary and I'm never going to forget about you. I still can't believe you've gone."

Summer Humphries added: "We all lost a friend, a brother and a very caring down to earth lad. R.I.P to one of the funniest people I've ever met in my life, there won't be another like you."

People living near Ryders Hayes Mere spoke of their shock after the tragic death.

Rebecca Smith, 35, a mother of four young children who lives in Ryders Hayes Lane, said: "We saw the ambulance and wondered what was going on. Within minutes there was a fire engine and ambulance.

"When they brought the dinghy, that's when we knew. It was very traumatic.

"It's really really sad. I feel for the family."

Lee Ford, 35, who also lives in Ryders Hayes Lane, added: "We're all devastated. It's shocking, too sad. He was 15, he had just begun his life."