TRIBUTES have been paid to a nine-year old boy who died after he was knocked down outside his home.

Philip Holmes, of Station Road, Huncoat, died in hospital surrounded by his family last night.

He is believed to have run out from behind a transit van and into the path of a Ford Focus at 5.20pm on Monday.

The death of the Huncoat Primary pupil, described as easy-going, popular and sporty, has left the community in shock and has devastated his classmates.

Headteacher Sean Crosier said: "We are all extremely upset and shocked at the sad news.

"Philip was a very pleasant young boy who fitted into school life extremely well.

"He was an easy-going boy who enjoyed sport, science and playing the euphonium.

“He was very popular with his classmates, who are devastated at his loss, and he had a great many other friends, not just in his own year group but in other years as well.

"All our thoughts and sympathy are with Philip’s family at this very difficult time.”

School governor and local councillor Paul Gott said everyone in Huncoat was thinking of the family, who are very well known in the area.

He said: “It is a devastating thing which has happened and my heartfelt sympathies go out to the family, especially to Philip’s sisters and his mother.

"Children at the school who knew him are very upset and there will be bereavement councillors coming in to school to talk to them and help the children through it.

"Philip has been at Huncoat Primary since his nursery school days and his loss will be very keenly felt by everyone at the school.

"This tragic accident is a great loss to us all.”

If you would like to pay tribute to Philip or offer your condolences to his family, please add your comments below.