Tributes have been pouring in for an eight-year-old boy who died yesterday in a house fire in Sandbach.

The boy, who has not yet been formally identified by Cheshire Police, but who is named locally as Lucas Carter, was a pupil at Offley Primary School.

Today, headteacher Jill Robertson said: “This is a very difficult time for everyone who knew Lucas, who was a very popular pupil at our school.

“Staff have been greatly affected by this tragic news and support is being offered to anyone who needs it.

“Staff will be offering appropriate support to all our children when the school re-opens tomorrow as planned.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lucas’ family and we request for their privacy to be respected.”

The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning and four fire crews were sent to Platt Avenue at around 2.52am.

Firefighters rescued Lucas from the house and both he and his 35-year-old mum, who was outside the property, were taken to Leighton Hospital. Sadly Lucas was pronounced dead shortly after 5am.

His mum remains in hospital after being treated for severe burns, but is described as stable.

This morning one distraught neighbour told the Chronicle how they were woken up to banging on the door by frantic nearby residents.

One said: “It was terrible, I was woken by thundering on my door. It’s just awful, he was such a lovely boy - that’s all I can really say because he was just such a lovely, lovely little lad.

“This has totally rocked the community.”

Nearby properties were checked for fire damage by Cheshire Fire Brigade and one property did suffer smoke damage.

Another nearby resident added: “It was such a terrible scene to witness. I just cannot believe what has happened, it’s so hard to take in, and it’s devastating to think about what the family are going through, especially his mum.

“It’s been heartbreaking to see people turning up with flowers, especially kids. Lots of people have come to lay flowers- it’s been a very emotional 24 hours.”

One floral tribute at the scene read: ‘You were such a lovely, caring, gorgeous boy and a very special friend. You will be missed by so many and gone far far too soon.”

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.