Heartfelt tributes from parents who lost their children have been sent to the family of a talented teenage footballer.

Connor Saunders, 19, died after being punched in an argument between two groups of teenagers outside the Tesco Express in West Street, Rottingdean, on Saturday.

Dozens of tributes have poured into The Argus praising the talented footballer and offering support to his family, of Downsway, Woodingdean.

Dennis Golbey’s grandson Oliver died in October 2010 when his moped crashed into a parked car in Crescent Drive North, Woodingdean.

He said: “When Oliver died, Connor came round with his family to give his condolences.

“Oliver would have been 19 this year and Connor was 19 a couple of weeks ago. It’s terrible they’re both gone.

“You would see him in the street and he would wave or raise his hand in the car as he went past.

“We were neighbours and we have seen him grow up.” Writing on The Argus website, Helen Long from Shoreham shared her condolences. Her son, Michael Morgan, was murdered while sleeping during a party at a caravan park in Brighton Road, Lancing, in July 2007.

She wrote: “Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time. Having lost my son five years ago to knife crime I know how you will be feeling.

“You have our deepest sym- pathy and respect.”

A 14-year-old boy appeared in court on Wednesday charged with the manslaughter of Connor Saunders.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Brighton Youth Court.

He was released on bail to appear in court on May 15. He must stay indoors between 6pm and 6am and can- not enter Brighton and Hove or Peacehaven.

Two other boys, aged 13 and 14, who were arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail until May 8 while officers carry out further inquiries.