A teenager under the care of social services has been found dead in a Gravesend flat, sparking a child protection investigation.

Police found the body of 14-year-old Edward Barry at an address in Parrock Street, where a collection of flowers and tribute messages to the popular Gravesend Grammar School pupil has since appeared.

Police are treating his death as unexplained, following an inconclusive post mortem examination. They are awaiting the results of a toxicology report on the teenager, who is thought to have been taking drugs the night before he was found dead at the property in the early hours of Friday, November 20. A spokesman said this could take up to five weeks.

Kent County Council's child social services has also launched an investigation into the death, in conjunction with Kent Police.

In a joint statement they said: "We are deeply sorry at the tragic death of this young man. Our thoughts are with his family and his friends.

"Our primary concern is the welfare of the family. We are doing all we can to support the family though this tragedy."

A KCC spokesman said the youngster was being supported by "a number of agencies, including children's social services" when he died, but the council said it cannot reveal any more about the circumstances of the death for fear of compromising either of the investigations.

Parents Patrick and Justine Barry said: "Ed was a very much loved son, brother and friend. He attended Gravesend Grammar School for Boys and will undoubtedly be greatly missed there too."

Friends have also paid tribute, many of them on social networking website Facebook. One of them, Mollie Payne, told the Messenger: "Ed's life was so full of dignity. He was an amazing caring person, made everyone smile and had so much to live for."

Others remember the keen skateboarder from gatherings at Gravesend's Lord Street car park, a teenage hang-out where skaters often congregate.