THE devastated family of tragic Wirral teenager Brandon Heggarty have paid tribute to a loveable lad who had a smile for everyone.

The 14-year-old, a Year Nine student at Woodchurch High School, passed away on Thursday.

A post-mortem is due to take place and an inquest expected to open later this week.

In an emotional tribute, Dave Ashcroft said he would "never be the same" following the loss of his eldest grandson.

He said: "He was just a lovely, loveable lad. Everyone loved him and he just had so much love to give.

"He loved hugging, if I tried to give him a high five he would say 'come here grandad’ and pull me into a hug.

"I am broken.

"He was a beautiful person inside and out.”

Mr Ashcroft said Brandon had dreamed of becoming a professional MMA fighter and regularly trained at Gravity Gym in Upton.

He added: "He was a 14-year-old with dreams. He wanted to be an MMA champion, he lived for the fight and he was good - he probably would have made the grade.

"He was good at school, even though he just wanted to be training all the time.

"But he was a good pupil and well-loved.

"He was always smiling and a big smile on his face.

"It hasn't sunk in - I just can't comprehend what has happened.

"Brandon doted on three-year-old sister Bella and would have been become a big brother for the second time in July."

He said Brandon’s mum Lynsey, who is six-months pregnant, is “absolutely devastated” as is his dad Paul Heggarty, and step-dad.

Mr Ashcroft said: “We are all completely devastated. He was the love of our lives.

“We can’t come to terms with what has happened. It is just so shocking.

“He was so close to his family.

“He brought love to everyone. He didn't have a bad bone in his body."

In a letter to parents Woodchurch High School headteacher Rebekah Phillips described Brandon as a "happy, popular and well-loved member of our Woodchurch family."

Ms Phillips told the Globe: "This is a very difficult and upsetting time for all of us at Woodchurch High.

"This news has had a devastating impact on our whole school, and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family.

Ms Phillips added: "As a school, we will support all in our community who will be affected by this tragic news, providing counselling and the opportunity to talk about the tragic events with the school's Chaplaincy Team and other experienced and suitably trained staff."

Brandon's mother, Lyndsey Ashcroft said: "I want to thank everybody for all their support and generosity.

"It means the world to me at this horrible time."

Family friend Gemma Louise Dunn has set up a gofundme campaign to help pay towards Brandon's funeral and give him 'the best send off'. The appeal has already raised more than £2,000.

Praising the community's support since the tragedy, Mr Ashcroft said: “Woodchurch is the best community there is. Honesty I can’t explain the support we have had.

"People are arranging fundraisers and someone has set up a go fund me page too.

"We didn't expect it from anyone.

"A shrine to him has been put up outside where he lived with his mum and the other night people came and let off balloons - you have never seen so many balloons.

Gemma Louise Dunn, who set up the Gofundme appeal, told the Globe: "I would like to say that on behalf of the community this has devastated everybody.

"Brandon was a good kid, had the biggest smile and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

"My heart goes out to Lyndsey and all of Brandon's family and friends."

To donate to the fundraising campaign, visit https://www.gofundme.com/brandons-sendoff