TRIBUTES have been paid to a "beautiful" toddler who died after falling into a canal while feeding ducks with his mum.
Dylan Milsom, three, tumbled into the icy water in Newbury, Berkshire, on Saturday just hours before he was due to celebrate Mother’s Day with his social worker mum Shelley Nardini, 36.
She jumped in to try and save her son but was unable to reach him and both were pulled downstream by the current before being pulled out by local workers.
On Mother's Day the mum-of-two posted a picture of her “beautiful” boy on Facebook with a ‘love’ emoji before hundreds of loved-ones added tributes.
Friends and family wrote of the handsome youngster touching hearts – and his infectious “cheeky” personality and smile.
Gran Jackie Arrowsmith posted a picture of her cuddling into the smiling lad and wrote on his mum’s profile: “Love him forever.”
'LOVE HIM FOREVER'
Jackie Arrowsmith later posted a heartbroken emoji, adding: “My gorgeous grandson.”
Claire Arrowsmith posted: “Your beautiful, funny, cheeky little boy. We love you so much.”
Hannah Jo Jo wrote: “Shelley you and Dylan will forever have all my love. No words.”
Sue Redfern posted: “I have no words. My heart breaks for you. Sending my love and thinking of you all.”
Deborah Davies wrote: “My Darling Shelley; there are no words in this world that I can say right now that will help you, Peter & your family.
I send you my love, my strength & hope to help you through this. Hold each other close.”
Richard Jones posted: “He will forever be your beautiful boy shelley.”
Andreea Pop posted: “Beautiful Dylan xx our love and prayers are with you and your family.”
Charlotte Edwards posted: “So beautiful. That smile will shine forever in our hearts Shelley. Sending you all our love.”
'DEVASTATING'
Lottie Rawlings wrote: “Shelly Me and chris have just heard your very sad news. Darling you are so in our thoughts at this terribly sad time.”
Tsippy McAuliffe wrote: “Dearest Shelly, devastating news, our hearts are broken with you and for you.
“We pray for your, Peter's and families strength right now. Our love surrounds you like mighty arms holding, rocking and comforting.
“Forever in our thoughts and prayers dearest Shelly, peace dear heart xxxxx”
'BEAUTIFUL BOY'
Margaret Miles wrote: "Bless his heart, a beautiful boy who will be missed by so many, he has touched so many hearts and now there are so many hearts broken bless him xx”
The "freak accident" occurred just metres from Victoria park, in Newbury, Berks., which sits opposite to the canal with dozens of little children playing.
Passers-by dialled 999 before the child and mum were recovered from the water near Ash Bridge at around 2pm.
It’s every parent's worst nightmare
Both were immediately taken to a nearby hospital where hours later the boy died.
A dad, who witnessed the tragedy, said: "We feel devastated for the mother, just before Mother’s Day. It’s every parent's worst nightmare.
"It’s just a freak accident, he was just feeding the ducks with his mother and he just fell in. She went in to try and save him."
Leading tributes, a family member posted on Facebook: "For those that knew this little boy as a family member his love for life was infectious, absolutely a tragic accident.
“We are a heartbroken family. The emergency services outstanding bravery and professionalism; I say a huge thank you. In the arms of the angels little man <3"
A spokesman said: "The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
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