by Graham Tutthill

The parents of the three-year-old boy found face down in a neighbour’s pond at Dover at the weekend have paid tribute to their "little man".

Police were alerted at 11.45am on Saturday when Freddie Watmough was reported missing from his home at Victoria Street, off Coombe Valley Road, in Dover.

Officers began a search of the area and called at neighbouring homes.

It was in a garden at nearby Erith Street that officers found the toddler face down in a garden pond.

A police officer and other people in the area tried to revive him.

Kent air ambulance landed in a builders' yard at Coombe Valley Road and flew the boy to the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford where he was certified dead.Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Freddie’s parents, Leanne Beardmore and Philip Watmough, said there were no words to describe how they were feeling.

"We can’t even begin to imagine life without our little man. We love and miss him so, so much and would give anything to hear him, see him and feel him again.

"Freddie had so much energy, so much love to give and was always running, always stealing apples from the fruit bowl and always laughing, usually all at the same time.

"Freddie lived for climbing, any object was seen as just another obstacle to be conquered, with determination. We just can’t believe he was taken from us so suddenly and in such a tragic way."

The couple said they would like to thank everyone who tried to save their 'gorgeous little boy'.

"They tried so hard and for that we will be eternally grateful. Freddie will live on in our hearts and minds, inspiring us to be the parents he would have wanted us to be."

Freddie had an older sister, Trinity.

"Asleep now but always dreaming of mummy, daddy and his big sister. Once again we’d like to thank everyone for their help, kindness and support.

"Sweet dreams our little man. Rest now, we’ll miss you so much. xxx."

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