THE family of a 17 year old boy who died after collapsing on a Hereford bridge said their "hearts have been ripped out".

Stamford Griffin died on Friday morning at Hereford County Hospital after he collapsed on the railway bridge on Old School Lane during the early hours.

Stamford’s family said: “Words can’t express how much he will be missed. Our hearts have been ripped out and gone with him.”

Stamford leaves behind his parents Griff and Deby; siblings Jedd, Chelsea, Verity, Tyler and Angel and his nieces and nephews, Jack, Mira-Mai, Kayleb, Lexi and Darcy.

West Mercia Police are treating his death as unexplained as they continue their investigations.

Five boys from the Hereford area were arrested on Friday afternoon on suspicion of drug related offences as police continued to investigate the 17 year old’s death.

The five - four 17 year olds and a 16 year old - were released on Monday morning under investigation.

Police were called at 4.15am on Friday morning to reports of a male collapsing on Old School Lane.

The road was closed off by police.

Floral tributes, cards and balloons have been placed near the scene as the community struggles to come to terms with the youngster’s death.

One reads: “RIP Stam. My big brother, I love you to bits, always in my prayers. Not a day will go past where I don’t think of you.”

Tributes have also poured in on social media.

Chloe Matthew Edwards wrote: “Fly high angel boy” while Cameron Brown posted: “Gone but never forgotten, heaven gained another angel”.

Fireworks were set off on Monday evening in tribute to the popular 17 year old.

On Wednesday, August 1 the family will be celebrating the life of Stamford-bridge Griffin. The service will start at 2.15pm at Hereford Crematorium. The dress code is tracksuits for all his friends -this is what he would have wanted. The family thanked everyone for their support at this difficult time. Anybody who loved and cared for Stamford is welcome to attend.

Anyone with information about Stamford’s death is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 and ask to speak to DI Mark Peters.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, and quoting log number 67S of Friday 13 July.