TRIBUTES have been paid to a 16-year-old Kent boy who died after inhaling aerosol.

The family of Matthew Sheldon have issued a warning to others regarding the dangers of substance abuse following the tragedy.

Matthew lived in Faversham. Police were called to the town's Church Road on Saturday and the teenager was taken to the William Harvey hospital in Ashford where he later died.

Members of his family have paid tribute to his caring nature, and flowers have been left in the street from his grandparents and friends. One reads: “God bless you Matt, love you forever.”

Matthew’s grandmother, Margaret, said: "We can’t believe he has gone. The whole family are devastated. I only hope this tragedy will send out a message to people who misuse aerosols in this way.”

Detective Inspector Sue Austin said: "We are not treating this death as suspicious.

We believe this was a tragic accident and should send out a warning of the dangers of aerosol misuse."

Results from a post mortem examination held on Tuesday are pending analysis.