HEARTFELT tributes have been paid for a “caring and special” 17-year-old, with his family describing him as a “whirlwind of energy”.

Niall Stringer, of Hadleigh, passed away on Friday leaving his family heartbroken.

The teenager was a talented rugby player and keen fisher, with his death sparking an outpouring of emotion on social media and across the community.

His mum, Jayne Forbes, said Niall meant the world to his family.

She said: “From the moment Niall got up, to the moment he went to bed he was like a whirlwind through the house, just full of energy.

“He meant the world to his family and friends, because he was such a special boy in every way.

“Everywhere he went and everyone he met, he left a lasting impression because of how caring, kind and funny he was. He was a cheeky chappy too that always made everyone else laugh.

“He loved fishing and rugby as well as to cook and make a mess before leaving the cleaning up for someone else!

“When he was younger, he loved climbing anything and he carried that on until his teens where his friends would call his spiderman.

“Niall was everything.”

The teenager attended King John Secondary School before studying at Seevic College.

His dad, Philip Stringer, also paid tribute to his “loud and funny” son who was adored by his friends and family.

He said: “Our caring boy Niall loved everyone he crossed paths with. He was loud, funny, and always up to his funny antics too.

“The world is a dull place without him here, I love and miss him so much.”

The teenager has seven siblings as well as multiple nieces and nephews with the tight-knit family devastated.

A statement from his siblings said: “Niall was so loved by so many, and it breaks our hearts to even try to figure out the words to say.

“He was the best little and big brother as well as the best son, uncle, grandson and cousin.

“Niall was also an amazing friend to many and was the life and soul.

“As a family we are completely broken, we all will always love him, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

The family urged everyone in the community to “Keep Talking, Keep Listening and Keep Supporting”.