A man has appeared in court charged with murder following the death of a 14-year-old Redhill student in Essex.

Breck Bednar of Caterham, who was a pupil at St Bede's School in Carlton Road, Redhill, died in Grays in Essex on Monday, February 17.

Essex Police said the preliminary results of a post mortem examination indicated that he died as a result of a wound to the neck.

Essex Police have charged Lewis Daynes, an 18-year-old computer engineer, of Roseberry Road, Grays, with murder.

Daynes appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court last Wednesday (February 19) and was remanded in custody.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: “He was remanded in custody until the preliminary case management hearing on Thursday, April 24.”

That hearing will take place at Basildon Magistrates' Court.

Essex Police said Breck's family is being supported by police family liaison officers.

The family have paid tribute to Breck, describing their shock and devastation at his loss.

In a statement released by Essex Police, they said: "Our family is devastated by the loss of our beloved Breck David LaFave Bednar. “He was a kind, intelligent, thoughtful boy with a good sense of humour, and was a dedicated student at St Bede's School in Redhill, and extremely gifted in computing, electronics and engineering.” The statement continued: “He was a member of the Air Cadets with the 135 Squadron in Redhill, and a member of St John the Evangelist C of E Church in Caterham.

“His three younger siblings knew him as a kind and loving older brother who always helped out by looking after them.

“The wider family remember him as a well-mannered, social, and confident boy, who was always thoughtful and patient with his younger cousins.”

The statement concluded: “We are all in shock, and so grateful for the thoughts and prayers of friends and family at this difficult time.

“In lieu of flowers and other gifts, a family fund will be established in Breck's memory to support computer literacy, a cause which was close to his heart. “For information on contributing, please email: mma@gony.net"

St Bede's School heateacher Christopher Curtis issued a message on the school's website, saying: “We were devastated to hear the awful news about Breck Bednar, a student in Year 10.

“Breck was a bright and hard working student who teachers describe as a real pleasure to teach.

“His tutor described him as 'a model student - a conscientious young man with a great deal of potential.'

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and with all affected.”

Essex Police are urging anyone with information, who has not yet spoken to police, to call Stanway Serious Crime on Essex Police 101.