The family of the eight-year-old boy who drowned after falling into a river say in a heartbreaking tribute that he was “beautiful in every way”

The family of an eight-year-old boy who drowned after falling into a river called him “beautiful in every way” in a heartbreaking tribute.

Joshua Hillstead fell into the River Arrow in Alcester, Warwickshire on 22 July.

He was pulled from the water and taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital where he sadly died the following evening in his father's arms, just two days before his ninth birthday.

Warwickshire Police said Joshua, from the Maypole district of Birmingham, suffered “complications as a result of drowning”.

Now his family paid tribute to him with a statement via the police.

Warwickshire Police said Joshua, from the Maypole area of ​​Birmingham, had suffered “complications as a result of drowning”.

In a tribute to Joshua, his family said: “We miss you so, so much and would do anything for one more smile, one more hug or just to talk to you one last time.”

They said: “Our beloved boy Joshy, there are no words to describe the devastation we feel at your loss.”

“We miss you so much and would do anything for one more smile, one more hug or just to talk to you one last time.”

“Mom and Dad are lost without you. You were such an important part of our family and we will never be the same again.”

“The day we lost you, we all lost a part of ourselves along with you.”

“The thought of having to go on living without you breaks our hearts every day.”

The tribute goes on to say that Joshua's amazing personality and beautiful spirit leave a “huge void that only you can fill.”

They added: “There are no words to describe the despair we feel at your loss.”

“We miss you so much and would do anything for one more smile, one more hug or just to talk to you one last time.”

“Mom and Dad are lost without you. You were such an important part of our family and we will never be the same again.”

“The day we lost you, we all lost a part of ourselves along with you.”

The family ends their statement with a tribute to the rescue workers who helped rescue Joshua from the water.

Billy Hutt, headmaster of Coppice Primary School in Hollywood, where Joshua attended school, previously paid tribute to a “popular” pupil with a “beautiful smile”.

He said: “We are deeply shocked to hear that one of our students, Joshua Hillstead, has died in a tragic accident.”

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Joshua’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

“We will make sure that we surround Joshua’s family with our love, care and compassion and that we are there for them every day.”

Mr Hutt added: “The loss of Joshua has left a void in our school community that we will never be able to fill. We must now focus on supporting Joshua's family and siblings in any way we can.”

Detective Inspector Heidi Twynham previously said: “Losing a child is devastating and we would like to express our sincere condolences to the family following this tragic accident – we are in contact with the family to offer them support.”

“Fast, unpredictable currents and unseen deeper sections make rivers dangerous places, especially for children and unsafe swimmers.”

“Please be careful near our waterways.

“Thank you to our officers, emergency responders and hospital staff for all you have done over the last few days.”