The parents of a two-year-old boy who died after a tragic medical episode have paid a heartbreaking tribute to their son, claiming his death was "so preventable".

Jude Gerrard was taken to hospital last Tuesday (January 14) following an incident at Early Learners Day Nursery, on Hawthorne Road in Bootle, Merseyside.

The youngster was pronounced dead shortly afterward. His family continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

Jude's death is being treated as unexplained, with enquiries ongoing in a bid to establish the circumstances of the incident.

His parents have issued a heartbreaking tribute, expressing their "absolute heartbreak and devastation" over the "shocking and unexpected loss of the love of our lives".

They said: “This is our sweet baby boy, Jude Gerrard. We are absolutely heartbroken and devastated beyond words by this shocking and unexpected loss of the love of our lives.

"I know all parents think this about their own children, but Jude truly was so incredibly special.

"Everybody who ever met him couldn’t help but instantly love him, and he had so much love for everyone too, even if he’d pretend to web you like Spider-Man or wrestle you like Hulk Hogan."

The parents have asked for privacy in this difficult time while they process their devastating loss. 

They added:“Our lives will never be the same again, he really was too good to be true and we can’t believe he has been taken away from us like this, with something so preventable.

"He deserved so, so much more. We count ourselves so lucky we got to be his mummy and daddy for two and a half years, even though he should have had so much more time.

Police continue to investigate the boy's death following a postmortem. The cause of death remains withheld pending further reports.