A TEENAGER who had his legs amputated due to sepsis has died in hospital, his family have confirmed.

Ethan Hunt, 16, lost his sepsis battle shortly after 10pm on Monday surrounded by his family.

He had suffered three cardiac arrests after initially thinking he had flu and had been in a critical condition in an induced coma.

Tributes have now been paid to the teenager described as a 'lovely young man'.

Jodie-Leigh Hunt, Ethan's sister, said in an emotional post on Facebook: "It is with deep regret that I have to say this, I never in a million years thought I would have to.

"Ethan sadly passed away at 10.02pm last night surrounded by myself and our mum and dad.

"He fought so so hard but he was too good for this world.

"I will miss him and think of him every single day for the rest of my life.

"He was the most amazing boy, son, brother, friend, boyfriend that any of us could have ever wished for.

"I love you so so so much Ethan, until we meet again baby brother."

Nicola Spencer, Ethan's auntie, said: "Love you Ethan fly high another bright star in the sky gone far to young"

Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic College in Burnley, Ethan's school, said:"Everyone at Blessed Trinity is devastated following the news that Ethan has passed away.

"Ethan was a lovely young man and was a very popular member of our Catholic community.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

"Naturally we are offering help and support to his friends at this difficult time."

Ms Spencer, who set up a fundraising page to support Ethan and his family, which has raised almost £10,000 of its £150,000 goal, told the Lancashire Telegraph how Ethan had initially been suffering what the family thought was a cold or flu on February 3.

Five days later he was laughing and joking in the afternoon and went for a nap in the afternoon.

When his mother, Melanie, went to check on him he had a purple rash across his whole body.

She called for an ambulance and told Ethan’s father, Andrew to come home.

Because of delays they drove Ethan to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he was found to have sepsis and put into an induced coma.

He was transferred to Wythenshawe and after his condition deteriorated and there was no pulse in his legs a decision was made to amputate.

Ethan's death has also sparked hundreds of tributes from people on Facebook.

Sue Hopkinson said: "So sorry Jodie, love and hugs to you all. xx"

Janet Beddows said: "Such heartbreaking news - deepest sympathies & condolences to your parents & yourself - in my thoughts and prayers - God Bless Ethan - rest in peace."

Lucý Rhodes said: "Rest peacefully Ethan pal, you were such a lovely kind hearted lad whose life was taken away so soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to all your family and those who knew him. You will be missed by us all. xxx"

Tyler Timcke: "So sorry for you families loss, I can't imagine what you are going through, he's such a good kid, met him on holiday last July. Rip Ethan x"

Rhonda Abbott said: "So sorry for your loss of your beautiful boy Ethan. My son goes to the same school. Did not know him but heard about him being poorly. Our prayers are with you all at this sad time.god bless him big hugs too.xxxxxxxxx.

Libbie Ferris said: "Rest in peace Ethan, going to miss you lots, he was taken way too soon. I’m sorry for your loss, thinking of you all. xxxxxxx"