THE family of a nine-year-old boy who died after falling in a weir have spoken of the loss of their "little ray of sunshine".
Kai Lambe, of Heath Way, Hatton, died at Queen's Hospital, in Burton, after being taken there by ambulance from the scene of the tragic accident.
Emergency services were called to the weir, at Tutbury Mill, on the River Dove, at 6.15pm on Friday, after receiving a report that a boy had slipped into the water and got into difficulty.
In a statement released to the media, his family said: "We are heartbroken and devastated at the loss of our vibrant, happy, bubbly little man, Kai Joseph - who was known as 'Ginge' to all who knew him.
"He was our ray of sunshine who brightened up the darkest day.
"We, as a family, are overwhelmed with the support of everyone in the close-knit village of Hatton and from people afar.
"He was always out and about, whether it was fishing, taking his beloved dogs for a walk with his dad or just in the village.
"He would smile and put his thumb up to everyone."
"He was a much-loved son of Dawn and Ali, little brother of Ellie-May and Tom, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and loved by many.
"RIP wee man."
Police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances behind Kai's death and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.
This afternoon police appealed for the public's help in identfying three children who were at the weir and tried to help when the tragedy happened. A Staffordshire police spokesman said: "These children, not known to Kai or his friends and not from Hatton, tried to help and may have witnessed something that will help detectives establish the exact circumstances of what happened. "They may be from the Tutbury area. Unfortunately there is not a description of the three children at this time." "Detectives would also be keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident who may have been walking through Tutbury by the river around that time." Anyone with any information is asked to call DC Katie Sigley at Staffordshire Police on 101.