A teenage boy has died after being shot with an air rifle in a tragic target practice accident, leaving his family and school devastated.
Sam Shaw, 15, of Pinkwell Lane, Hayes, died on Saturday at 4.20pm in the garden of his home where he had been playing.
Neil Sherman, headteacher of Harlington Community School where Sam studied, said: "Sam was a lovely kid - a mischievous rogue - and although he was 15 he appeared much younger.
"There was no malice in him. He was popular with students and with staff and he will be sadly missed.
"I've got two kids of my own and I can't think of anything worse than for a family to lose a child in such tragic circumstances.
"Nobody expects to outlive their children, and there is something fundamentally wrong when your child dies well before their time in such tragic circumstances.
"This was an unnecessary waste of life."
Mr Sherman said a room has been set aside at the school with senior and pastoral staff there to give support to any child or member of staff who needs it.
He added: "It may be that there was no one to blame, but we cannot bring him back.
"We're aware it was an air rifle accident and I know some people don't think they are as dangerous as other sorts of fire arms.
"But if any good is to come out of this, it will be that people will get the message that these things are dangerous and that people should be careful.
"I would prefer it if this weapon were made illegal because it would have prevented the tragic waste of a young man's life."
Michelle Gibbons, director of study for key stage four at the school, said: "He was a lively young man, full of life.
"He had recently started some work experience at a garage with his dad, I believe, which he was loving, and he looked forward to carrying it on.
"So many of the students are devastated."
Neighbour Ray Phillips, 36, said: "Sam was a very good lad. He was best friends with my 15-year-old, Ashley, and he was here often. He was very popular and always polite to everyone."
Among the tributes outside the home, one said: "I can't believe I am writing this.
"You were the most fantastic guy with that cheeky grin of yours, you made me smile."
Another said: "There's a new angel shining above, look after him, we will miss your smile."
A police spokesman said the death was being treated as an accident and no arrests had been made.
On Monday morning the Shaw home was empty, and the family is believed to be staying elsewhere.
A full report is being prepared for the Coroner and a post mortem is due to take place, shortly followed by the opening and adjournement of an inquest.
