A devastated community will be holding a vigil to remember alleged murder victim Rhys Anthony Cameron. Heartbroken neighbours say the eight-year-old youngster was a 'lovely' little boy.
A police investigation was launched following the death of the youngster and Louise Cameron, 40, of Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with his murder.
Devastated residents in Marsh House Avenue are planning to hold a vigil outside the youngster's home at 5pm on Friday, September 19, to show their love for Rhys and share in their grief and support for his family.
One of the organisers of the event, who does not want to be named, said: "He was such a pleasant little boy, he was lovely, really nice."
She said her mum lived close to the family and doted on Rhys and his two siblings. She said: "My mam thought the world of them.
"She is distraught. We are doing this to show our respects, we want to show he was loved and cared about."
Another organiser said: "We will be releasing balloons on the green next to his house. People are welcome to bring along flowers, teddies or whatever they feel comfortable with. It is a lovely way for the community to come together and share their grief."
Louise Cameron has been remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Friday charged with murdering Rhys between Saturday, September 13, and Monday, September 15. Cleveland Police was called to a property on Marsh House Avenue on Monday, September 15, at 10am.
The force was alerted by the North East Ambulance Service regarding the death of the youngster and it was initially treated as "unexplained". Hundreds of messages of condolence have been paid on social media while and forensic investigators were seen at the property on Monday and a police presence remained there throughout Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said following the incident: "We were called to a private address in the Marsh House Avenue area of Billingham shortly after 10am on Monday, September 15. We dispatched two double crewed ambulances, a clinical team leader and a duty officer to the scene."
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