Lucas Dobson: Family leads heartbreaking tributes to six-year-old who died in Kent river

The family of Lucas Dobson have led heartbreaking tributes to their “little man” after the six-year-old’s body was recovered from a river in Kent.

The schoolboy went missing on Saturday after he slipped into the River Stour in Sandwich while on a fishing trip with his family.

His body was recovered following an extensive search effort and identified by police on Wednesday afternoon.

Lucas’ cousin Chloee Martin posted an emotional Facebook message in the wake of the announcement, saying: “Rest in peace little man, gone way to soon."

She added: “Nanny will look after you. I love you so much and I’ll cherish the memories forever.

“Life is so important so is family. Cherish the good in life. You don’t know what’s round the corner.

“One little accident is all takes. This world’s a cruel place it really is.

“But I’m so thankful for the thousands of support through the journey of finding my little cousin. Took time but we can now say our goodbyes and let him rest now.”

Lucas's uncle Lewis Tolman also thanked the scores of volunteers who helped in the four-day search.

“I would like to say that Lucas has been found and confirmed by the hospital and parents," he wrote in a Facebook group titled ‘In loving memory of Lucas’.

"I will have more to say but I need time but I think you all know how much Kent as a community has touched my heart and the UK and even the world thank you all so much."

The six-year-old’s parents have yet to comment publicly on the tragedy.

Among the countless mourners to offer share their condolences to Lucas’s family was his primary school.

Warden House in Deal, Kent, wrote that its community had been “deeply shaken” by the confirmation of his death.

“Thank you to our staff and families who have been supporting the tireless search for Lucas and the warm thoughts and heartfelt prayers they continue to share,” the school posted on its own Facebook page.

“We are so grateful for the support given by the staff and families of Warden House and the Kent emergency services. Our hearts are with Lucas’ parents, family and friends at this harrowing time.

“It is now our role to help our school community to honour the memory of this wonderful little boy.

“We will take each step gently and support our children, families and community through this troubling time.”

People who'd never met the little boy have written of how the tragedy has brought communities together and touched thousands of people's lives.

One Facebook user wrote: "I didn't know you or your family but it's all that's been on my mind. I've been out searching and even this morning we were still looking when we heard the news.

"You have touched so many people with your gorgeous smile. A new star will shine bright tonight. RIP Lucas. My love and thoughts are still with you and your family."

Another added: "I, as many, never knew you but feel we have become part of this very sad journey.

"Lucas has brought so many people together, shown true humanity and how much people can and do care. My heart goes out to every one of you.... the sky will now have the brightest little star."

Another commented: "This sad story has touched so many people’s hearts, I can't begin to imagine your pain and heartbreak.

"Lucas, goodnight beautiful boy, rest in perfect peace."

Announcing the tragic news, Chief Inspector Mark Weller said: "Following the discovery of a body in the River Stour, formal identification has taken place and I can confirm the body is that of missing Lucas.

"It brings an end to our search and I would like to echo Lucas’ family’s message of thanks to those who came out to help search for him in the last few days.

"The community support we have witnessed has been heart-warming, even in the most tragic of circumstances.

"I’d also like to recognise the efforts of our partners from Kent Search and Rescue, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and all the volunteers who assisted in the search for Lucas."

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Body of young boy found in River Stour confirmed as Lucas Dobson

Chief Inspector Weller added: "While the search may have ended, our support to Lucas’ family continues."

The death is not being treated as suspicious but initial enquiries are continuing.

Experts from the emergency services had been using specialist equipment in order to find Lucas, including sonar detectors, underwater cameras, divers, dogs and drones.

It is thought Lucas, from Deal, vanished while stepping from a jetty onto a boat, and despite three adults immediately diving in, the current had already swept him from reach.