In an emotional statement released through Greater Manchester Police, the mother of 15-year-old David Sandham spoke fondly of the unselfish, fun-loving boy who loved his family and his mum's cooking.
David died two days ago after a lunchtime brawl in an annexe behind Broadoak High School in Warburton Road, Partington.
Two 14-year-old boys who were arrested in connection with the incident have been released on police bail on the condition they live outside Partington.
David's 36-year-old mother Anne Morton said: "David was a very cheeky little boy who loved to tease us.
"He was a very social boy who had a large circle of friends and he always had about half a dozen friends coming and going through the house. He also had a best friend who lived nearby who he was very close to. He absolutely adored his brothers and sister, especially his baby brother. He was always using his pocket money to buy them presents.
"Both David and his father were mad Manchester City fans and he had Manchester City stuff all over his bedroom. His favourite thing in the world was his signed football shirt.
"He was a very sensitive child and didn't care about things like designer trainers or clothes with labels. He said he didn't care about having expensive trainers as long as he had something to wear. David's favourite subjects were science and PE and he was always coming home with a '1 coin for winning the science quiz that day.
"He also liked cooking and would often cook tea for the whole family. His favourite meal was mince, onions and mashed potatoes made by me.
"David was happiest when he was playing any kind of sport and the school wrote to us once to commend him because he never forgot his PE kit.
"This is a really difficult time for all of us, his family and his friends. My kids are looking after each other and we have a large family who are supporting us at this difficult time.
"We would also like to thank all the kind people who have laid flowers and cards in David's memory."
David's family stressed that he did not have a history of heart problems. Although he suffered from asthma, his condition was very mild and he had not needed to use his inhaler for more than 18 months, they said. Tweet
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my heart goes out to davids family especially his siblings. he was clearly a loving and devoted child who was yet another victim of school violence.
As the mother of a 15 year old boy myself, I find it hard to comprehend that children still think that violence is the answer to an argument.The fact that other kids were there to witness the fight and encourage it disgusts me.I am aware that the reason for Davids death is still unknown but had he not been in the position he was maybe he would still be here.
My sincere sympathies are with Davids parents.
My prayers go out to the family for this tragic lost that they have suffered. I hope that they can find away to heal there family.
As a past pupil of Broadoak and also as a pupil who had to suffer through being bullied for many years I have to say that the until the teachers and the students keep a closer eye on things within the school grounds this type of behaviour will continue. The students have to be taught that it isnt wrong to turn in the thugs that commit CRIMES on there fellow students. The two students and anyone who stood by and allowed this to happen should have the book thrown at them. David has had his life taken from him while the thugs will still have some sort of life to look forward to.
My heart really goes out to David's family and also the the families of the two 14 year old boys who had to spend a night in police custody because of a playground fight. At the end of the day they are children and didn't deserve to be locked up. The situation would have been very different if a weapon had been involved.
Perhaps school staff need to be more vigiliant to avoid situations like this occuring again.
I wish to send on behalf of myself and my husband our heartfelt condolence to David's Mummy and family, we pray for you to come through this with the help of your family, I wish we could help to take away the pain you all must be feeling. believe me, our close community is grieving with you
my thoughts are with the 2 boys that were arrested i am sure that they didn`t want any off this to happen their family will be in just as much pain i don`t think anyone can be blamed for this not the SCHOOL or the TWO boys there is always to sides to each story and i am sure that we will hear many of them so boys and your familys know that there are people out here that are thinking off you too
My heart goes out at this very sad & tragic time for david & his family i cant believe that anyone would want to hurt such a lovely lad i didnt know david & his family but you can just see how happy he was at home how can anyone do such a terrible thing god bless you david & your family too sleep tight xxxxx
I take great exception to Amanda's comments.
Secondary aged kids are responsible for what they do legally and if kids resort to fighting out of sight of school staff they have to know the consequences and if that means some time in police custody that is how it is and this was more than just a playground fight because it led to a tragic death and that is always a possible outcome.
How dare she point the finger at the school staff ? That is so out of order. The kid that elected to fight led to this kid's death and is directly to blame .
I heard the lad that died got smacked in the chest and was pushed to a wall. Let the kid that did that live with that and learn the reality of consequences of choices.
Partington can be a tough place even though most folks there are actually decent and the school does a great job against all the odds and I know the staff offer kids a range of choices. Some kid made a bad choice and has to live with it.