Father pays emotional tribute after loss of his 12-year-old son Roberts

Roberts' body was found at Alcorns Green, Fishtoft, on Saturday, close to the home he shared with his father.

A murder inquiry was launched, and a 14-year-old boy has been remanded in custody after appearing before Lincoln Crown Court.

Edgars Buncis today spoke of plans by friends of Roberts to get together and remember his life on Saturday and urged anyone attending to be safe.

He said: “I am comforted by the community support that has been shown and I understand that friends want to show their support by getting together on Saturday.

“I will not be attending. I will remember Roberts in private and celebrate his life at his funeral.

“Please remember Roberts with flowers and a smile. Be safe and please do not do anything stupid.

“I want you to continue with your lives and do the things that Roberts can no longer do,” said Edgars.

“I do not want any other family to go through what I have, please do not make me more sad.

“Do not judge before we know the truth, let the police do their investigation.”

He said he has been touched by the amount of support he has received from the public.

Lincolnshire Police said in a statement today that they have been made aware that a vigil has been planned to pay tribute to his life, and urged people to remember him in private because of the current restrictions.

Chief Inspector James Trafford sent his heartfelt condolences to the family on behalf of the force.

He said: “Our hearts go out to Roberts’ loved ones and everyone who knew him.

“While we understand that the community is grieving the loss of Roberts we would like to strongly remind people that we are in a pandemic and tier three Covid restrictions apply.

“The safest way for those who want to pay their respects to Roberts is to do so in private while following the rules. Under tier three rules we are unable to gather in outdoor settings in groups of more than six.”

Working in partnership with Boston Borough Council, Cllr Paul Skinner, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this time. The death of Roberts has had a huge impact on the community.

“People will want to pay their respects to Roberts, that is only natural but please respect the family wishes. The best way to keep safe is to pay your respects in the privacy of your own home.”