The parents of a Hampshire boy among 26 killed in the US school massacre have spoken of their heartbreak.

Dylan Hockley, six, was shot dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, Connecticut, on Friday.

His parents Nicole and Ian said their son was "wrapped in the arms" of his teacher Anne Marie Murphy when he died.

The family had moved to the town from Eastleigh after dad Ian’s job at IBM was transferred from Hursley to New York.

Ian and his American born wife, Nicole, who gave up her marketing career to become a full-time mum to their two sons Dylan and his older brother Jake, have told how they are trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

They said there were "no words" to express their loss and paid tribute to Dylan as a "special gorgeous angel".

In a police statement, the Hockley family said: "We will always be a family of four. Even though Dylan is no longer physically with us, he is forever in our hearts and minds.

"We love you Mister D, our special gorgeous angel."

Dylan's family said they would "never regret" the move to Sandy Hook, which they chose for the community and elementary school.

"Our boys have flourished here and our family's happiness has been limitless," the statement said.

They paid tribute to the school's head teacher, Dawn Hochsprung, school psychologist Mary Sherlach and Dylan's teacher Vicki Soto, who all died in the attack.

They added: "We take great comfort in knowing that Dylan was not alone when he died, but was wrapped in the arms of his amazing aide, Anne Marie Murphy.

"Dylan loved Mrs Murphy so much and pointed at her picture on our refrigerator every day.

"Though our hearts break for Dylan, they are also filled with love for these and the other beautiful women who all selflessly died trying to save our children."

Dylan's family also thanked the emergency services who were first on the scene and said they had been overwhelmed by support since their son's death.

"It was an impossible day for us, but even in our grief we cannot comprehend what other people may have experienced," his family said.

"The support of our beautiful community and from family, friends and people around the world has been overwhelming and we are humbled.

"We feel the love and comfort that people are sending and this gives our family strength. We thank everyone for their support, which we will continue to need as we begin this long journey of healing."

They said their thoughts and prayers were with the other families affected by the tragedy.

"We are forever bound together and hope we can support and find solace with each other," the statement said.