A headteacher has paid tribute to a "popular" pupil with a "beautiful smile" who tragically died after falling in a river in Alcester. 

Billy Hutt, headteacher of The Coppice Primary School in Hollywood, said the school was deeply shocked to hear the news that pupil Joshua Hillstead had died in a tragic accident. 

The eight-year-old boy, from Maypole in Birmingham, died at Birmingham Children's Hospital following complications as a result of drowning. 

Warwickshire Police were called at around 9.30pm on Monday (July 22) after Joshua fell into the River Arrow behind Kingfisher Way in Alcester. 

Police, fire and ambulance service crews were in attendance and Joshua was pulled from the river before receiving first aid and CPR. 

Joshua was then taken to hospital where he had been receiving treatment until he died late on Tuesday evening (July 23). 

His primary school in Hollywood has now paid tribute to Joshua who they say has "left a hole in the school community". 

Mr Hutt said: "We are deeply shocked to hear the news that one of our pupils, Joshua Hillstead, had sadly lost their life as a result of a tragic accident. 

"Our thoughts and sympathies 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 will make sure that we are there for them every day.

"Joshua had a beautiful smile. He had a strong friendship group and his relationships with them were based on kindness and enthusiasm for life.

"Joshua had an ability to connect with others and, as a result, he would always contribute positively to group situations and was always willing to lend a helping hand to any of his friends when they required it. This is why he was so popular and well thought of.

“Joshua always engaged enthusiastically in lessons, particularly science and computing. He was also passionate about physical education and loved team activities, where he was always an active participant and always displayed a positive attitude.

"He excelled in his understanding of how to support others which is why he was always such a valuable team player."

Joshua attended The Coppice Primary School in Hollywood Joshua attended The Coppice Primary School in Hollywood (Image: Google)

A book of condolence is now open and on display at St Mary's Church in Wythall for people to come and pay tribute to Joshua. 

The book will also be available during the first week of September at The Coppice Primary School so parents, carers, families, children and the local community can write their messages. 

Mr Hutt added: "The loss of Joshua has left a hole in our school community which we will never be able to fill and we now need to concentrate on ensuring that we support Joshua's family and siblings in every way we can.

"We are also working closely with Worcestershire Children First to offer specialist support to pupils and staff.

"Our school community is an incredibly close one and we will all pull together to ensure that we do this, however I would ask the community to respect the privacy of the family at this very sad and difficult time."