POLICE are continuing investigations into the death of a 12-year-old boy from Sourton Down whose body was found near his home last Thursday evening.

Officers are talking to school friends of Zak Knott to try and piece together the circumstances leading up to his death.

A post-mortem examination has proved inconclusive and police are continuing to keep an open mind as to how he died.

One of the leading officers in the case, Detective Inspector Keith Perkin, is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: ?We continue to have an open mind regarding the circumstances that led up to Zak?s death.

?There are a number of active lines of enquiry ongoing, which we are hoping will assist the coroner with any future inquest.?

The Okehampton College student left his home at 4.15pm on Thursday and was supposed to return by 5pm, but when he did not do so members of his family started looking for him.

Zak?s body was found by his stepfather at around 6pm, 150 metres from a disused railway track near the Prewley Water Treatment Works.

Tributes have been paid to Zak by members of the community who have been left shocked by his death. Flowers and messages have been placed near to where his body was found.

Candles were lit by young people in Bridestowe bus shelter on Friday night as a shrine to the youngster in this regular meeting place.

The Rev Arthur Parsons, who looks after Sourton and Bridestowe parishes, said ribbons had been tied to a special remembrance tree at the Sunday services by local residents

?I took it into the family so they know everyone is thinking about them. The shock has been dreadful and people are very upset, particularly Zak?s peer group.

?With a tragedy like this falling on Mothering Sunday weekend it accentuates it all the more.?

Zak lived with his mother, stepfather and eight-year-old brother in Sourton Down where they rent a house from Frank Ward, who is also landlord of the Fox and Hounds Hotel at Bridestowe.

Mr Ward said they were a nice, ordinary happy family and Zak had been a happy-go-lucky child.

?Everybody feels very shocked at the moment and a bit apprehensive because there is nothing conclusive at this stage,? he said.

The 12-year-old had until recently been a pupil at Bridestowe Primary School where he was very popular with staff and pupils.

Headteacher Sian Maiden said Zak would be remembered for his ?delightful sense of humour?

?Zak was helpful and kind, intelligent and creative. He will be much missed by everyone in the school community who will treasure many fond memories of him.?

In a statement issued on behalf of Okehampton College principal Chris Powell said Zak was a lively, popular boy with a well developed sense of humour who often stayed behind after lessons to talk to his teachers.

?He had an engaging smile and was always polite and kind and there was a sensitive side to his nature which he demonstrated through his thoughtfulness to his friends.?

Mr Powell said Zak?s death had had a huge impact on the college and the sympathy of students, staff and governors, naturally, went out to his family and close friends.

Zak?s family said in a statement they were still shocked and devastated by his death.

?It will take a very long time for us to come to terms with our loss and we are too upset to make any further comment at this stage.?