POLICE have charged a 15-year-old boy with murder following the death of a Southampton teenager.

The boy, from Andover, is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court today following the death of 17-year-old James Laurie.

James died from a single stab wound to the chest in the morning of Sunday, January 19, following an incident on Lyndsay Road in Thornhill, Southampton.

The 15-year-old boy also faces an allegation of being in possession of a bladed article.

Earlier today, family members paid tribute to James, who lived in Thornhill, following news of his death.

In a statement, issued through Hampshire Constabulary, the family said: "We will miss you and your cheeky smile forever.

"You were full of life. We will always think of you. Sleep tight now."

Friends of James also paid tribute to James, who has been described as an “outgoing and funny” friend, who loved his music and rapping.

Kayne Law, a friend of James, told the Daily Echo: “He was a really lovely lad, so bubbly and always making people laugh.

“He loved his rapping, we were only about 12-years-old when he got me into rapping and I’ve never stopped since then.

“We had a lot of memories when we were younger he was a proper good spirit to be around."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is still encouraged to submit information to police via their online portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC20W01-PO1 or call 101 and quote Operation Tint.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.