by Martin Jefferies

The dad of a Ramsgate tot who drowned after falling into a garden pond says his "little dude" will always be in the hearts of his family.

Sven Peters-Price, who would have celebrated his second birthday next month, was pulled from the pond in Hollicondane Road, Ramsgate, by his uncle on Wednesday afternoon (June 10).

Medical staff tried desperately to resuscitate the youngster but he died later that day at the QEQM hospital in Margate.

The toddler's father, also named Sven Peters, wrote of his grief on the social networking website Facebook.

"Sven Jnr was a real fighter and will always be in our hearts," wrote the 32-year-old.

"I love you little dude. Words cannot tell you how much you will be missed and loved."

In a second post, Mr Peters added: "Please everyone look after your kids as you never know when they will be taken from you. Love them for each and every second."

The baby's uncle, Niels Peters, 27, also wrote on Facebook and said he was "devastated" at the family’s loss.

"He tried so hard to hold onto his little life but despite all our efforts he is now with the angels," he said.

He went on to thank accident and emergency staff at the QEQM hospital, who he described as "totally amazing".

He added: "They brought baby Sven to us in their family room so we could all hold him, kiss him and cuddle him for his final hour as he struggled to survive."

A spokesman for Kent Police confirmed that Sven's death is not being treated as suspicious.

A post mortem was due to take place yesterday afternoon.