Tributes to Preston McNally, 16, who died in Burnley canal

Preston McNally, 16, was pulled from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in Burnley on Saturday evening.

Emergency services were called to Empire Way at 4.20pm, sparking a frantic search for the teenager.

But it ended in tragedy when his body was recovered from the water just before 7.20pm.

Heartfelt letters and notes have been left at the scene by many loved ones, all describing how much Preston will be missed. 

His auntie Marie, uncle Brocky, Charlotte and Blake left a note which said: "To our nephew Preston, our hearts are broken. You were too young to leave this world. Forever 16."

His nana and grandad John wrote: "To my beautiful grandson Preston. We will miss and love you forever, lots of love always."

Younger siblings Alex and Lily said: "To our beautiful older brother, words can't describe how heartbroken we are. You was our special boy and the one we looked up to. I love you so much."

Bouquets of sunflowers, roses and carnations, as well as candles and angels lined the canal bank, with messages including "Rest easy young man Preston".

Auntie Lisa, Kev and Ellie said: "To our beautiful blue eyed Preston. Don't know what we are going to do without you, you will forever have a special place in our hearts. Forever 16. All our love."

Auntie Lyndsay and uncle Lee Dylan, wrote: "Dearest Preston. Life is just too cruel. We will love and remember you eternally. Love you lots like jelly tots."

Preston's nannie, auntie Leah, Uncle Lee, Olivia and Jaxon said: "Preston, words will never be enough to show you how loved you are. We will all miss you so much. R.I.P."

Paying tribute on social media, a heartbroken family member described him as someone who made 'every person laugh.'

She wrote: "Oh my darling boy. My heart is broken.

"You didn’t deserve this and our family didn’t deserve this.

"You were so loved and you made every person laugh so much.

"It was only days ago you chipped your front tooth (I’ve heard you still had 4 girls around you).

"I am so sorry you have been taken from us, I’m sorry for us all but especially your mum and dad and my dad too.

"Your sisters, your aunties, your cousins, your nannies, we’re all going to miss you so much.

"My heart aches and I don’t know how we will ever come to terms with losing you.

"Forever 16 and forever in our hearts. Love you always."

His death comes as the Met Office confirmed the UK had a seventh consecutive day of 30C heat on Sunday - the longest September heatwave on record.

A police spokesman said: “A 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this distressing time.

“Our inquiries are continuing.”