A SCHOOL has been left shocked and devastated by the death of a teenage moped rider.

Luke Casson, 16, was apparently thrown from his moped and hit a lampost while riding along Front Street in Hutton Henry, near Peterlee, east Durham, on Saturday evening.

He suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton.

Luke was a year 11 pupil at St Hild’s Church of England School, in Hartlepool.

Headteacher Colin Reid said last night: “Luke’s tragic death has left us shocked and devastated.

“He was a lovely lad and a very popular member of year 11.

“Whenever he went on trips or visits, he was always the perfect ambassador and represented the school very well.

“We held a collective worship this morning for year 11 students, and prayers were said for Luke and his family.

“We also intend to open a book of condolence. This will be an opportunity for students, staff and other visitors to pay their own personal tributes.

“We have staff trained in bereavement counselling and they will be available to offer help on request. We are also setting a room aside where students can go for periods of quiet reflection and prayer.”

A tribute page on the Facebook website had attracted more than 1,100 members by last night.

One relative wrote: “My gorgeous loving brother so kind n just a baby. Our lives are never gone b the same...

The family needs you what am I gona tell our Beth.

“It’s just not fair why do all th good 1s get taken young..

Rest in peace.”

The accident took place on an open stretch of road at the east end of the village, near the Plough Inn pub, shortly after 6.30pm on Saturday.

It is believed the moped veered into the nearside kerb and that no other vehicles were involved.

Anyone who saw the accident or the moped being ridden shortly before have been asked to call police on 0345-60-60-365.