A headteacher yesterday described a 14-year-old pupil who was stabbed to death in a friend's home as "one of the most popular boys in his year".

Chris Robertson, headteacher of Gourock High School, paid tribute to Darren Pyper, who was attacked and killed at a tenement flat in the town's Albert Road on Wednesday night.

The youngster died after he visited his friend Scott McArthur, 14, said to be an avid Rangers fan, for dinner. It is thought they were gathered to watch the Rangers versus Stuttgart Champions League match when the attack happened.

It is understood the death might be connected to a long-running dispute between Scott's father Stuart, 44, and a 64-year-old neighbour Willie Brown, who were both rushed to Inverclyde Royal Hospital in the wake of the incident. Police want to talk to both men.

Mr Brown was last night said to be in a "serious but stable" condition while Mr McArthur was said to be "stable". Darren's friend, who suffered minor injuries, was discharged from Inverclyde Royal Hospital on Wednesday night.

Some locals believe Darren was an innocent victim who was in the "wrong place at the wrong time". It is believed he was attacked when answering the door.

Strathclyde Police said last night that they were following a positive line of inquiry.

Ms Robertson, in paying respects to the third-year pupil, said: "He was confident, amiable and charming. He had an acute and mature sense of humour which often bubbled to the surface.

"Pupils regularly spoke of his loyalty and friendship and he always tried to look after the safety of younger pupils. He was very influential amongst his peer group and Darren's views were much respected.

"Just on Tuesday, Darren was involved in a school event to raise money for the MacMillan Cancer Trust. He was determined to ensure that he and his group raised the highest amount of money possible and was delighted that his group had organised a very successful coffee morning."

She yesterday spoke of the shock felt throughout the school: "The whole school community is in shock and our hearts go out to Darren's family and friends.

"Pupils and staff at Gourock High School were informed of Darren's death today and everybody is very sad at what has happened."

A counselling service has been offered to pupils, parents and staff to talk about the tragedy. As floral tributes were left at the edge of the police cordon in Albert Road, one pupil, Heather Edgar, 15, paid a moving tribute to Darren on her ProfileHeaven web page.

"Always will love you, no matter what. Gone but never forgotten. Don't believe he's gone now with his life took away from him at the age of 14," it read.

"I just cannae get over it. Darren, I know for a fact you're always going to be in every single one of your mates' hearts. All of us are always gonna love you and remember you for the fun and down-to-earth guy you were."

One local said: "I don't see how this is any less tragic or newsworthy than the Rhys Jones case." Another commented: "Never did I think something like this would happen in Gourock dreadful when it's on your doorstep, and even worse when you know the names involved."

Darren's family run HG Pyper carpets business that has premises in Greenock and Gourock. Staff at both stores were trying to come to terms with the tragic loss. He was described as a lovely teenager and would spend his summers helping out. Darren was working in the Gourock store until around 5pm, just hours before he was killed.

Detective Inspector Ian Aitken, of Greenock Police Office, appealed for information. He said: "Officers are currently carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area and forensic inquiries are ongoing at the scene.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in Albert Road around the time of the incident last night and witnessed the disturbance take place, or anyone with any information that may assist police inquiries, to contact the incident room at Greenock Police Office."