DEAN Bloomfield's heartbroken parents today set aside their grief for a few moments to thank the people of Ipswich for their overwhelming support.Ever since 15-year-old Dean and his friend Scott Towler were fatally injured when they were hit by a car in Fore Hamlet on May 30 the roadside has become a shrine for those so deeply affected by the double tragedy.

DEAN Bloomfield's heartbroken parents today set aside their grief for a few moments to thank the people of Ipswich for their overwhelming support.

Ever since 15-year-old Dean and his friend Scott Towler were fatally injured when they were hit by a car in Fore Hamlet on May 30 the roadside has become a shrine for those so deeply affected by the double tragedy.

Family, friends and many who never knew the Stoke High School pupils have felt compelled to share their thoughts and best wishes through messages, flowers, school ties and even teddy bears.

Now Mr and Mrs Bloomfield want to make sure the community is aware of their gratitude and the solace those thoughts and words have given them.

"Dennis and Sharon Bloomfield and their immediate family would like to thank the Ipswich people for all their support, floral tributes and condolences at the sad loss of their son Dean," they said in a statement.

"The Ipswich people have given comfort to us all during this last week of painful suffering. Thank you so much."

The Bloomfield's thanks come on the day Zulfcar Ali, the man charged with their manslaughter, appeared at court in Ipswich amid tight police security in the court.

Ali, 33, of Boyton Road, Ipswich, spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Dressed in a black suit the slightly built Ali stared ahead of him, as prosecutor David Taylor read out the charges.

Ali's solicitor Charles Riddleston made no bail application.

Bench Chairman Mark Wade remanded Ali in custody to appear before Ipswich Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on June 17.

Meanwhile, the Evening Star, with the backing of Dean's family has launched an appeal for a memorial to the two Ipswich boys.

Readers can also send us their own tributes through a special page opened on our website www.eveningstar.co.uk.

Meanwhile tributes continue to come in to the two youngsters by people throughout the world.

Mourners from as far away as South Africa and Australia have placed messages on the Evening Star website.

The inquest into Dean and Scott's deaths opened today at Ipswich Crown Court.

The court heard evidence from Detective Inspector John Quinton on the deaths of the 15-year-old Stoke High School pupils.

Neither of the boys' relatives attended the inquest.

Detective Inspector John Quinton told coroner Dr Peter Dean: "Post mortems were carried out on both boys on Saturday, May 31 by a Home Office pathologist who concluded both boys died from head injuries."

Dr Dean said: "Our thoughts go out to both families in these circumstances."