STAFF and pupils at a Wordsley primary school have been left in shock after the sudden death of a popular pupil.

Owen Jeremy, a pupil in year three at Fairhaven Primary School in Barnett Lane, is believed to have died suddenly during the night of May 23/24.

The tragic news was broken in a letter to parents last night - and tributes were paid to the “likeable” eight-year-old during an assembly for classmates and staff this morning (Friday May 25).

Headteacher Dave Rowe told the News: “We’re obviously all devastated as a school.

“It’s such an unexpected loss. He was such a lovely little boy, full of energy. He enjoyed playing football with his friends and he had a great sense of humour. He was also a big Aston Villa fan.”

Mr Rowe praised staff whom he said had “rallied round and supported each other and the children” and added that counsellors had been drafted in to help the youngster’s classmates come to terms with the tragedy.

Councillor Peter Miller, chairman of governors at the school, said: “It’s very tragic that someone so young should lose their life.

“The whole school is obviously very, very upset.

“He was a very likeable little lad.

“Our thoughts are with the lad’s mother and father at this sad time.”

A post mortem into the youngster’s death has yet to be carried out and an inquest will be opened next week.