The parents of two-year-old Jamie Heaton, who died in an explosion in Shaw, Greater Manchester, have paid tribute to their son, saying: "Jamie was unique and amazing. We will miss everything about him."
Michelle and Ken Heaton released their statement after visiting the scene to see the messages and flowers left by well-wishers.
They also thanked the local community for the "tremendous support" in the wake of the tragedy.
Jamie was killed and neighbour Andrew Partington, 27, suffered serious burns as Tuesday's blast flattened their homes and damaged scores of other houses.
Michelle and Kenny Heaton hugged each other next to a makeshift shrine of flowers
Jamie was killed while watching TV in his home but his mother miraculously survived after stepping out to hang out washing in the yard.
Michelle and Kenny Heaton hugged each other next to a makeshift shrine of flowers from well-wishers as a statement was read on their behalf.
"Our little man Jamie was a happy little boy, mischievous and full of laughter.
"He loved watching Mr Tumble and Peppa Pig, he was in his element in the outdoors, he loved his freedom, going to the park, playing on the slide.
"He adored his family, his brother and sister Jack and Jodie, they loved their cuddles and play fighting.
"His personality was unique and amazing. Jamie was unique and amazing, we will miss everything about him even though we only had a short time with Jamie, the time we had was special and his memory will live on through Jack and Jodie and everyone close to him."
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Marsh, from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), continued with the statement: "Over the last few days we have been allowed some quality time with Jamie, who looked so peaceful and perfect.
"We take comfort in the fact that he passed away quickly without much suffering.
"He is in a safe place and we know he is being well looked after by those around him.
"We have no doubt that he will be up to mischief, looking down on us with that smile, his smile.
"We are overwhelmed by the support we have had. We would like to thank our families for the enormous support that they have offered.
"We would like to express our thanks to the community for their tremendous support, their kind words and gifts.
"We would like to thank the emergency services for their bravery and support, the local authority and local businesses.
"Our thoughts are also with our neighbours whose lives have also been turned upside down over the last few days.
"We are going to miss our little man."
The parents hugged one another as they looked at tributes to their two-year-old
Mr Marsh said police were treating the investigation as a "search for the truth" and were keeping a "completely open mind".
Mr Partington remains unconscious and sedated at Wythenshawe Hospital, where he is being treated for serious burns.
A 32-year-old maintenance man who is understood to have checked the boiler at Mr Partington's rented home has been bailed by police following his arrest for manslaughter.
Charlie Parker, the chief executive of Oldham Council told reporters: "Our thoughts are foremost with them [Jamie's family]." He said the council were providing a "huge amount of support" behind the scenes for the families who had been affected.