Teen killed in gun tragedy

Tributes have been paid to a 14-year-old boy who died after allegedly shooting himself.

Nearly 2,000 friends have joined three Facebook groups following the death of Warwick School student Liam Nelson.

The gifted teenager died of a single gunshot wound to the head on Thursday evening in his house in Brook Road, Merstham.

But a police investigation is still ongoing into what caused the tragedy.

Writing on the Surrey Mirror website, a friend, Jaymee-Lea English wrote: “He was a very liked boy, and everyone misses him so much.”

Becky from Tadworth wrote: “I am so upset, he was such a nice friend I’m going to miss him so much. RIP Liam. We love you so much.”

Merstham councillor, Graeme Crome wrote: “God rest Liam, my prayers are with you and my thoughts are with your family and friends”.

Friends say Liam used to enjoy hunting animals and his family had a gun license – police have confirmed the family were licensed fire arms holders.

A close family friend said Liam wanted to do well in school so he could become a pilot.

He said: “We are very close to the family and I can’t imagine what they’re going through. They must be absolutely devastated. They texted me to tell me what happened and they were just in bits.

“Liam was a lovely boy and did everything by the law. He kept himself to himself and was always reading books. He was desperate to become a pilot.”

The family friend told the Mirror that Liam has two older brothers, Jason and Mark, and an older sister, Laura.

Liam’s family have moved out of their address as police and forensic experts examine the scene of the tragedy, they were believed to have returned yesterday (Monday).

Results from the post mortem carried out at the Royal Surrey County Hospital confirmed the cause of his death as a single gunshot wound to the head.

An inquest has been opened, and will convene at a later date.

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “We were called to an address in Brook Road, Merstham, at about 5:50pm on Thursday evening, following the discovery of a body of a young boy.

“Detectives are still investigating the circumstances around his death, but we can confirm a fire arm was involved.”

Tributes continue to pour in on Facebook groups dedicated to Liam who was “smarter than the other kids in school”.