A teenager who plunged to his death from the top of a 19-storey block of flats was described by those who knew him as a “smashing lad who loved football” this week.

East London Advertiser: Charlie PatersonCharlie Paterson (Image: Archant)

Charlie Paterson, 14, who was known as ‘Little Charlie’, fell to his death from the tower block where he lived in Winford House, on the Locton Estate in Jodrell Road, Bow, on Friday morning.

East London Advertiser: Tributes have poured in for Charlie Paterson who died on FridayTributes have poured in for Charlie Paterson who died on Friday (Image: Archant)

Paramedics carried out extensive treatment at the scene but pronounced him him dead at just after 7am.

“He was a smashing lad and he used to play football at the front of the building,” said a man who used to work on the estate, but didn’t want to be named. He said: “It will haunt me for a long time.”

The teenager, who lived with his parents and younger brother in a flat on the third floor, was a student at Bishop Challoner school in Stepney.

He was also close to his grandparents.

He played football with his younger brother for Senrab FC. Paul Shea, the club’s assistant secretary, said: “Our hearts go out to the family. We held a minute’s silence in his honour at all our games on Sunday.

“He was an outstanding footballer and he was a really nice lad.”

Mr Shea said Charlie had been due to play for the club at the weekend.

Neighbour Nasim Begum, 31, who has two children, said: “My children are shocked. Its so scary and he is too young.

“I saw him all the time playing football. I used to see him coming home from school, walking with his friends.”

Floral tributes, candles as well written notes and football shirts adorn the stairwell inside the block.