A 16-YEAR-OLD boy was appearing in court today charged with the murder of Southampton teenager Daniel Loader.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was due to appear before Southampton Youth Court this morning, having been charged with murder last night.

He is accused of killing trainee bricklayer Daniel, 17, following an incident on the Aldermoor estate just before 7pm on Sunday.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Daniel died in Southampton General Hospital later that night after suffering knife wounds to his back during an incident in the Purbrook Close area.

Today Daniel's grieving family paid tribute to the youngster.

His parents Paul and Patsy, twin brother Michael and fiancee Chantelle described him as "home-loving and full of fun".

A statement added: "He lived for his family. Daniel will be sorely missed by all his family and his true and loyal friends."

Friends spent yesterday laying floral tributes in Waltham Crescent, Aldermoor, close to the spot where the tragedy happened.

Most were from former classmates at Oaklands Community School in Lordshill, where Daniel had been a pupil.

The flowers were later moved to Daniel's home in nearby Wonston Road by his weeping fiancee.

One of Daniel's closest friends, Daniel Watkins, 16, said: "He was a really good guy and brilliant to be out with."

Murder squad detectives were continuing house to house inquiries today in a bid to piece together events leading up to the stabbing.

Investigating officers believe the incident began near the junction of Waltham Crescent and Purbook Close, before continuing into Bransbury Close.

Det Supt Andy Stewart, leading the murder inquiry, codenamed Operation Silicon, today renewed an appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

"This has been a traumatic experience for Daniel's family and the thoughts of the inquiry team are with them," he said.

A team of about 35 police officers is working on the investigation from an incident room set up at the force's division headquarters in Hulse Road, Southampton.

Daniel was rushed to Southampton General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death was due to be carried out by a Home Office pathologist yesterday, but the results had not been released this morning. Police have also not released any details about the teenager's injuries.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.