An 18-year-old has been killed in the Syrian conflict.

Yesterday the father of Abdullah Deghayes spoke briefly to The Argus from his home in Arundel Road East, Saltdean.

Confirming his son's death, he told how he did not even know Abdullah had travelled to the war-torn country.

The exact date and cause of Abdullah's death is not clear, but it is believed he died earlier this month.

Police were informed of his death in conflict by a source on Monday and are supporting the family.

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Yesterday, a spokesman from the force said: “Sussex Police have received information on Monday suggesting that an 18-year old man from Brighton has been killed in Syria recently.

“Full details of the circumstances of the reported death are not known and we have been in contact with the family.”

The Foreign Office said they were unable to help as the situation in Syria was so tense and they do not have a representative there.

“Syria is a particularly difficult place to confirm deaths,” a spokesman said.

On Abdullah's Facebook page it says he was a former pupil of Longhill High School in Falmer Road, Rottingdean, and is set to join the University of Brighton in 2015.

It is understood Abdullah was the nephew of Omar Deghayes who was held by the United States as an enemy combatant at Guantanamo Bay detention camp from 2002 until December 18, 2007 after being arrested in Pakistan in 2002.

Omar was released without charges and returned to Brighton where he lives.

Tributes were paid to Abdullah on social networking sites.

One woman on Twitter said: “RIP this is such a shock, cannot get my head around it. Everyone's gonna miss you Abdullah Deghayes. Much love.”

Joe Pearce added: “Very sad to hear about Abdullah Deghayes.”

On Facebook Louise Tierney said: “Miss you like mad! Love you mate forever in my heart.”

Zack Warren added: “Love you brother.”

Did you know Abdullah? Pay tribute by emailing anna.roberts@theargus.co.uk