'I'm absolutely heartbroken - he was my life' says girlfriend of man who died after being shot by police in South Shields

Kayleigh Reay, 25, was the partner of James Wilson, who died in hospital at the weekend, four days after being shot by armed police.

Mr Wilson, 24, of Candlish Street, South Shields, lost his fight for life in the early hours of Saturday at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Floral tributes to him have been left by friends and family in the street where the shooting happened.

Today, Ms Reay released a picture of them together, with her daughter Lexie, seven, who he called his 'princess'.

She said: "I would just like to thank everyone for their support, kind words, flowers and gifts.

"Everyone that knew James would know how much of a kind-hearted, loving person he really was, and did not deserve this at all.

"I'm absolutely heartbroken. He was my life, my shadow and now I am lost.

"No words can describe how much I am going to miss you, love you always and forever 'my king ' - your queen Kayleigh and princess Lexie."

She also posted a picture which showed that she and Mr Wilson had tattoos on their hands - hers saying 'queen' and his saying 'king'.

Little Lexie added: "Gentle Jesus up above, give my James a big, big hug, I love you James, love Lexie. PS I miss you and playing football. I will watch for your star. I love you."

She also said she will keep James's DVDs safe.

Mr Wilson was in an induced coma after the incident in Frenchmans Way, Horsley Hill, last week.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the shooting, which happened at about 1am last Tuesday.

Officers were called to reports of a man with a handgun, and made contact with him, before he was shot.

The IPCC said a 'non-police weapon' was recovered from the scene. Mr Wilson's family have told the Gazette that it was a BB gun.

Well-wishers are continuing to raise money to help Mr Wilson's family pay for his funeral. They aim to raise £1,000.