TRIBUTES have been paid to a prize-winning pupil who died after falling from the Asda car park in Worcester.

Fourteen-year-old Sam Abel will be "dearly missed" by staff and students at Tudor Grange Academy Worcester.

Principal Samantha Roach says Sam's death on Sunday afternoon has come as a huge shock to the school community.

Bereavement specialists are on site at the school, in Bilford Road, to offer comfort and guidance to grieving children and staff members.

Mrs Roach said: "We can confirm with great sadness that we have learned that over the weekend Sam Abel, one of our year 10 students, has tragically died.

"Sam was a genuinely caring student who was always looking to help and support other children.

"He won prizes in school recently for his attitude and endeavour, always showing commitment to all that he did.

"Staff enjoyed teaching Sam because of his warm and witty conversations and his enthusiasm for his studies, we will miss seeing him cycling on his way to school as he did.

"We will all miss him dearly.

"This is a huge shock for the whole school community and all our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and friends.

"We have offered to support the family in any way we can.

"Our other main priority is to look after the wellbeing of our school community while we all come to terms with what has happened.

"Staff have been supported and received guidance today so that they are able to provide care and reassurance to the students.

"Students and staff who require more guidance and reassurance will be able to speak to trained internal and external specialists in bereavement who will be on site."

Flowers have been left at the supermarket including bouquets from Asda staff.

Calls were made to police at 1pm from people concerned for the teenager's safety and when officers arrived at the scene they found Sam critically injured.

He was taken to hospital where, sadly, he was later pronounced dead.

Police said they are not treating Sam's death as suspicious and have asked witnesses to call 101 quoting reference number 357s of January 8.