THE heartbroken family of a teenage murder victim who was stabbed to death with his pal have paid tribute to their "champ" of a son.
Kirsti Preston, mum of 16-year-old Charlie Preston, told a friend she was "broken" by the loss of her son who was stabbed on the streets of Brentwood.
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Charlie's family called the teen 'forever our champ' Credit: Essex Police 4
Kirsti said she is 'broken' by the loss of her son
In a statement released by the police, the family of Charlie issued a short tribute.
It read: “Forever our Champ. Mummy and daddy love you.”
On Wednesday, Essex Police said they charged a man, 19, in connection with the murder of the two teens, Charlie Preston and Frankie Gator.
Frankie Watson, 19, appeared in Southend Magistrates’ Court charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Earlier this week, a friend of heartbroken Kirsti, 37, told MailOnline the mum-of-three said: "I am broken."
The life-long pal, who didn't wish to be identified, added Charlie's gran was "in pieces".
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Heart-breaking pictures show the teenager enjoying a holiday abroad in Greece with his mum and the rest of their family this summer.
Police have launched a double murder investigation into what they described as "probably a targeted attack".
Earlier this week tributes flooded in for the "much loved" pair of 16-year-olds.
One of Frankie's relatives took to Instagram and paid tribute to her "one of a kind" cousin, saying: "Words can’t put into perspective how much my heart has broken.
"It’s physically causing me pain I’ve lost my cousin. I can’t believe you're gone it seems like I’m lost in a nightmare.
"Our whole family love you Frankie Gater. Rest in perfect paradise.
"You always made me laugh and I'd be so excited to see your face.
"Your smile lit a light in my soul whenever I heard your name. You was one of a kind Frankie Gater, there is no other like you.
"I'm sorry you didn't get to see the rest of life."
A friend of the boys added: "Words can’t explain how I feel about losing my brother CP and you to Frankie, forever be in my heart."
Another of Charlie's friends said in a heartfelt tribute: "I promise you I’m gonna make you so proud and I will always be thinking of you Charlie.
"You was honestly so loved by everyone and you and Frankie of all people did not deserve this.
"We had our whole future planned together and I’m gonna go and do them just like you're with me still."
Andy Mondeal, 37, who lives a short walk from where the incident took place told The Sun neighbours are “shocked”.
He said: “We’re still a bit shocked about what happened.
“I came home on the day it happened around 7.30 and it was just normal.
But there’s an alleyway nearby with a pub at the bottom so over the weekend it does get quite busy with people running around the streets.”
And another mourner at the scene, who claimed to be a friend of Frankie's older brother told of the family's devastation.
He said: "I've been talking to them all morning."
A third victim was treated for injuries after the knifing - which police say aren't life-threatening or life-changing.
Family and friends of the victims laid flowers at the scene with many teenage mourners among those paying tribute to the two boys who were killed.
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Tributes have poured in for Charlie Preston, 16, who is said to have died from stab wounds 4
Frankie Gater was also tragically killed in the stabbing in Brentwood, Essex