A POLICEMAN has been arrested on suspicion of culpable homicide after a King's student was tragically killed on the final day of a school rugby tour in Argentina.

Popular pupil and prefect James Painton, 18, - affectionately dubbed "The Speedboat" because of his swiftness on the field - was in collision with a car as he left a Buenos Aires bar at 5.30am on Saturday (July 21). The Argentinian driver, an off-duty policeman, has been arrested and tested for alcohol in his blood and found to be just over the legal limit, according to Argentinian official police sources.

The accident was witnessed by shocked team mates and their new friends from rival clubs who were enjoying their last night together before the Macclesfield contingent jetted home.

James, of Byrons Lane, Macclesfield, who was described as a "cracking lad" and "never without a smile on his face", had been celebrating the end of the three week trip when the accident took place outside the Hacienda bar in Gonnet, a region in La Plata, capital of Buenos Aires.

He was rushed to a local hospital and died two and a half hours later from his injuries.

According to unconfirmed reports from Argentina, the rugby ace was crossing the road to a central reservation to take photos of the squad outside the bar.

The driver of the Ford Falcon was policeman Maximiliano Martinez, 24, who has now been suspended.

Martinez was arrested on suspicion of culpable homicide.

The two squads were celebrating "The Festival of Friendship" - a local holiday - coinciding with their final night together when the tragedy happened.

Winger James, had been one of only four upper sixth pupils invited on the tour - playing against local schools and club teams - along with 35 other pupils and seven adults, including King's teachers and coaches from Macclesfield Rugby Club.

In a statement released by the King's School, they said they were "saddened" and would be holding a full inquiry into the circumstances of the accident. Until then they refused to comment further.

But tributes flowed in memory of James Painton as yesterday (Tuesday) a Book of Condolence was set up in the Alan Cooper Library at King's where his friends and most of the rugby squad went to pen their own personal feelings and pay their respects.

Tim Andrew, Principal of the Sixth Form Division of the King's School, said: "James Painton was a much respected and highly valued member of the school. He had finished his A Levels this summer and was expected to achieve good results.

"James was hoping to read engineering at Edinburgh University. He played a full part in school life; he was a school prefect, a member of the Peer support programme, took part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and was an able and enthusiastic member of the first XV rugby squad.

"He was noted for his positive approach in everything he undertook and will be greatly missed by the whole school community.

"At this time our thoughts are with his family and his friends, particularly pupils who have recently returned from the rugby tour."

In a tour guide which accompanied the squad to Argentina, James' entry read: "The speedboat, as he is affectionately known, is definitely without a driver. Lightning quick feet and shockingly bad hands provide him with an element of surprise and unpredictability. So even he does not have a clue what is going to happen next with the ball in his hands.

"One week he looks like a world beater, the next week he looks like a completely inept beginner. Nevertheless, he is a hard worker and a team player both in attack and defence, and a cracking lad off the field, never without a smile on his face, he is certainly one to keep an eye out for on the tour - if the ball bounces in his favour."