The mother of 16-year-old James Andre Smartt-Ford, who was gunned down at Streatham Ice Arena on Saturday, has paid tribute to her son.

Tracey Ford left a message for her son, on a tribute website. She said: "My son, the joy and happiness you brought to our family will never, never die. You are loved, respected and your charisma made you the amazing young man you were, ambitious, proud, caring, loving, peaceful and would not hurt a fly. We know you are resting peacefully in a place fit only for the golden ones. RIP Mum."

She also expressed thanks to the hundreds of people who had left tributes for her son, saying they had given her family "the strength each and every day to heal our pain and get us through the tragic death of our son".

James's murder plunged the whole community into mourning, with some pupils at his former New Malden school, Coombe Boys' School, undergoing counselling.

Headteacher Carol Campbell said: "Everyone is shocked and saddened to hear of the death of James Smarrt-Ford, who recently left the sixth form.

"His friends are devastated at his death and the manner in which it happened. He will be sadly missed."

James, from New Malden and known as Dre to his friends, had enrolled on an electrical installation course at Carshalton College last September. A spokesman said: "He was a hardworking and dedicated student, and someone who held such promise in his chosen career. He leaves a lasting impression on staff and students."

More than 100 relatives and friends attended a private memorial service for the teenager at the United Reformed Church, next to the ice rink, on Monday night.

Those close to James shared their memories and mourners sang hymns. Flowers were left outside the ice rink.

Police say James was in the area at the bottom of the stairs leading on to the ice at about 11pm, when he was approached by a black youth wearing dark clothing who shot him two or three times.

He staggered on to the ice where he collapsed in front of up to 350 young people, who were at a disco at the rink at the time.

As screaming teenagers poured out of the building, two local ice hockey coaches tried to save the boy.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, an anaesthetist at Hammersmith Hospital, gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and Mike McSweeney attempted to stop the bleeding.

Despite their efforts James died later at St George's Hospital.