TRAGIC Ryan Hawkins has had tributes paid to him from around the world.

The four-year-old was stabbed to death at a house in Royd Street, Slaithwaite, on Sunday lunchtime and his 14-year-old sister, Donna, suffered multiple stab wounds.

Their father, Chris Hawkins, 47, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He has been questioned by detectives at Huddersfield police station.

On the tribute website Gone Too Soon, set up by Examiner columnist Terry George, tributes have flooded in for Ryan, described by his great uncle, Slaithwaite man George Fellows, as “a great little lad’’.

Relations Madeleine and Neil Morris, from St Helens, said: “Such a tragic loss of a lovely little boy. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his sisters and mum. We pray for a speedy recovery for his brave sister and justice for little Ryan.’’

Neighbour Mandy Thornton, from Royd Street, said: “Rest in peace little man. You are safe now. Look down on your mummy and sisters. The angels will take care of you.’’

A Halifax woman called Julie wrote: “Your story is just too sad for words. How could anyone do such a thing?’’

A woman called Lorraine from Northern Ireland said: “I cannot believe how anyone could take a child’s life. He was a beautiful little boy. I have a four-year-old and can’t begin to imagine the pain you must be feeling.’’

Many messages are from grieving people who have lost their own children in tragic circumstances.

Marie Waters, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne said: “God bless you little one. Thinking of all your family at this sad time. Sleep with the angels sweetheart. From a mother who has also lost a son.’’

There are 64 tributes and condolences, along with 167 shorter messages, on the site www.gonetoosoon.co.uk

The pages have been visited by more than 2,000 people since Ryan’s tragic death.