A 17-year-old boy who was found hanged in a Bexleyheath park on Sunday (December 6) has been named locally as Reece Burrowes.

The teenager's body was discovered in Danson Park at 8.15pm – and the Met were called shortly afterwards.

Since the news broke, tributes have flooded in for the former Hurstmere and Crook Log primary pupil from grieving friends.

Reece was also a keen American footballer, and played for Kent Exiles, based at the Beaverwood Club in Chislehurst.

Close friend Olli Bellanti told News Shopper: "This is the most tragic thing.

"He was the most amazing person I ever knew, always seemed happy.

"I'm waiting to wake up – it’s just so unbelievable and devastating.

"He was one of the funniest humans I knew and could imagine growing old with him. I just can't believe this is true."

News Shopper:

Shocked mum Carol Cawley, whose son Dom was friends with Reece throughout secondary school, said: "Reece was an incredible young man - so polite, always a happy face and of course his trademark hair.

"We all feel absolutely devastated and send all our love to his family. RIP gorgeous young man. The Cawley Family."

Close friend Mille Godwin added: "Reece was by far the kindest person I have ever known, always putting others before him.

"I am heartbroken along with all my other friends, we are in total shock and can't believe this world will no longer have such an amazing soul."

TODAY'S TOP STORIES:

School friend Harry Rainey wrote: "I'm still waiting to awaken from this bad dream.

"Reece was the funniest and most vibrant person you would have ever met and he was always up for a good old laugh no matter the circumstance.

"Never in a million years would I have thought I would have been in the situation I found myself in today.

"Love the people God gave you because one day he will want them back. Gone but never forgotten - sleep tight angel."

News Shopper:

American football team mate Alex Savine said: "Reece was an incredible person.

"He was so full of life and always energetic. No matter what was happening he would always greet you with enthusiasm.

“It was always a pleasure to play with him. He was part of our family and he will be solemnly missed at the Exiles Club."

Tharun Thayaparan said: "Reece (Afro) was always friendly, bubbly and dedicated to help others when they were down.

"I will miss him so much.

"Now he is in a better place looking down at us. RIP my man. God be with you. You will never be forgotten."

Emily Jayne added: "He was such an amazing person, always happy and would make anyone smile. He will be missed dearly by everyone. We love you Reece."

News Shopper:

School friend Jonathan Wilson wrote: "The tragic news shocked me - my prayers go to all his friends and family."

Exiles player Sam Adams added: "Reece was a talented player with an admirable sense of determination.

"I am privileged to say that he was my friend, as he represented somebody that everybody could aspire to be like. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

"My thoughts are with his family."

A Met spokesman said: "At this early stage the death is believed to be non-suspicious, but is being treated as unexplained pending a post-mortem examination.

"Enquiries into the circumstances of the death are being carried out by Bexley borough officers."