TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular teenager who tragically fell to his death from a railway viaduct.

Sixteen-year-old Orrin Douglas Walker fell 100ft from Durham Viaduct to the street below late on the evening of Friday, January 3.

The teenager, who lived in the Merryoaks area of Durham City, suffered life-threatening injuries and died next day in the nearby University Hospital of North Durham.

In a statement, Durham Police said: “Police were called to an address in Durham City just before midnight on Friday 3rd January where a 16-year-old boy was found with life-threatening injuries and later died in hospital.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a report has been prepared for the coroner.”

A police spokeswoman added that he is believed to have fallen from the Viaduct.

An inquest into Orrin’s death is due to be opened and adjourned by the Durham Coroner at the Coroner’s Court in Crook on the morning Tuesday, January 14.

Steve McArdle, the head of sixth form at Durham Johnston School where Orrin was a student, said: “Orrin was a popular young man with a close set of friends.

“Clearly our thoughts are very much with his family and friends and those near to him at this distressing time.”

Flowers and cards have been left at the spot where Orrin fell.

One card read: “Orrin, Rest in peace, we will miss you”.