Family devastated over boy's death

Ben is believed to have taken ecstasy

The mother of a 15-year-old boy who collapsed and died after apparently taking ecstasy has spoken of the devastating loss of her youngest son.

Ben Hennessylost consciousness minutes after arriving at his grandfather's garden near his home in St Albans, Hertfordshire, on Wednesday evening.

He is thought to have taken ecstasy tablets stamped with a kangaroo.

On Friday, Ben's mother Shirley Bullen said the close-knit family, which includes sister Charlie, 16, and brother Lee, 19, were devastated the death of the boy.

"Ben had planned to spend the summer doing labouring work for his granddad and he told me he was going to save up the money he earned to take me on holiday," she said.

I was so looking forward to Ben coming to work with me and my brother after finishing school Father Gary Henessy

"He was such a kind and thoughtful boy. Always thinking of others.

"He will always be in our thoughts and hearts."

Ben, who was keen on weightlifting, kickboxing and darts, was taken to Hemel Hempstead General Hospital where he died on Wednesday evening.

Ben's father Gary Hennessy, who is no longer with Ben's mother, said he could not believe his son was dead.

"I was so looking forward to Ben coming to work with me and my brother after finishing school.

"He had his whole future ahead of him."

A post-mortem examination failed to establish the reason for Ben's death and detectives are now awaiting the results of toxicology tests.

Three boys from St Albans - two aged 16 and a 17-year-old - arrested on suspicion of supplying an illegal substance have been released on police bail until August 28.