The Rt Revd Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester said:

‘I was desperately sad to learn of the shocking news of Tony Ballard’s death. Tony was known as a generous hearted boy who loved life and lived it to the full.  The fact that his life has been cut so tragically short is dreadful. My thoughts and prayers, and the thoughts and prayers of all of us in the Diocese of Worcester, are with his parents, Duncan and Ellie, and with all Tony’s family and friends.  We commend Tony to God in Jesus and we pray that all those who are devastated by this news will be given strength and courage.’

ENDS

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.