Father of Deal schoolboy Lucas Dobson pays tribute to son
Published: 11:05, 24 August 2019
Updated: 11:06, 24 August 2019
The heartbroken father of Lucas Dobson has paid an emotional tribute to his son.
The body of the six-year-old was found on Wednesday - five days after falling into the River Stour in Sandwich while fishing with his dad, Nathan.
Mr Dobson and two other adults jumped in to rescue him but the boy was swept away by the strong current.
This morning - a week after he fell in the river - the father posted a heart-wrenching photograph of his son on the In Loving Memory of Lucas Dobson Facebook page, showing the youngster smiling after losing a milk tooth.
Mr Dobson wrote: "This was the 1st front tooth out 2 weeks before 💔😥 I love you son."
Tear-jerking tributes have poured in for Lucas since his body was discovered.
Dozens of handwritten messages were tied to the gates of his primary school, Warden House in Deal, as parents and staff members shared their grief for the "well-liked" pupil who had "many friends".
One note read: "You will never leave here an empty chair because you will take that chair to heaven with you."
Many teachers and parents from the school joined the five-day search to find Lucas.
Vigils were also held at Deal Pier, in Margate and Herne Bay last night as mourners aimed to flood the coast in the youngster's favourite colour, red.
People brought candles, flowers and messages of love to his family.
In Deal, a number of his favourite songs were played and eco-friendly balloons were released into the air.
Both of Lucas's parents attended the event, along with his uncle Lewis Tolman who thanked members of the public for their support over the last week.
Read more: All the latest news from Deal
Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich
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Jack Dyson