Boston blasts: Martin Richard, 8, dies while watching his father race

BOSTON, Massachusetts (AP) - A candle has been lit in front of the house where the young boy who was killed in the Boston Marathon bomb blast lived, as his mother and sister remain in hospital.

Martin Richard, 8, of Dorchester, was at the marathon to watch his father race, the Boston Globe said.

He was standing near the finish line, waiting to give his father a hug for finishing it.

He was 8 years old and in the third grade.

Martin's mother, Denise, was hospitalised with "grievous injuries," The Times of London reports.

The status of his father, William, has not been released publicly.

Boston's 7 News TV station released a photo of Martin on their WHDH.com website.

His mother and sister were also critically injured. The family is very active in their community.

His mother has had surgery after she sustained a brain injury from the blast. It was reported to be a serious injury.

His 6-year-old sister lost her leg in the blast. Her name has not been publicly released at this stage.

Neighbour Jane Sherman said Martin was a typical 8-year-old who loved to ride his bike and play baseball, according to The Boston Channel.

"There are no words to describe how they are feeling ... we are feeling," Sherman said, adding that the family was very close knit.

A single candle was lit in front of their house and a single word was written on the sidewalk: Peace.

At least nine children were among the injured, according to law enforcement officials.

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