Andy Wood
(Picture: Essex Police)The heartbroken family who died after an attack in Chelmsford have paid tribute to their “kind and loving young man”.
Andy Wood, 16, was found injured close to a green space off Waterson Vale, a residential street in the Essex town, at about 11.30pm on Sunday.
He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An 18-year-old man from Chelmsford was arrested in the early hours of Monday on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, the force said.
Mr Wood’s family said “Andy was a kind and loving young man. He touched the lives of countless people.
“His loss has left a massive hole in the lives of his family and friends.”
Police have asked that people do not speculate on social media about the circumstances surrounding his death.
A local mother added on Facebook: “He came over for parties and birthdays and just to chill as kids should, enjoying themselves and having fun. The music and dancing was a bonus.
“Andy you were so nice, funny and kind and a great friend to my two.
“The first time you came over here you brought me flowers,
“I will never forget that a 14-year-old boy was thinking of his friend’s mum.
“I hope you are at peace Andy sleep well. We will miss you and your cheeky smile and dance moves.”
Detectives had sealed off an area of woodland beside a children’s playground off the street, which is in a quiet housing estate, on Monday.
Andy, from Braintree, had just finished at Coggeshall’s Honywood School and was believed to have started work in a high street supermarket.
