AN appeal set up to help the grieving family of a five-year-old boy killed in a crash has raised more than three times its original target.

Shane Bartlett, a twin with seven siblings, died of head injuries after a collision with a car on his way home from school on Wednesday.

Family members, friends and well-wishers have rallied round and have so far donated more than £3,000 towards funeral costs.

A family member, who does not wish to be named, set up the site on the justgiving website and said: “Shane Bartlett had been walking home with his parents and siblings when the tragedy occurred and unfortunately died instantly from the injuries he sustained leaving a distraught family behind.

“This page has been set up to help the Bartlett family at this tragic time to assist some way with costs associated with the impending funeral. My heart and love goes out to the family at this tragic time.”

She told the Daily Echo: “The family are absolutely in pieces and we just wanted to do something to take the pressure off them. People have been so generous and we just want to say thank you to them.”

Among the messages on the site are: “RIP little man, my heart is with the family in such a tragic time. Shane will be sadly missed but never forgotten” and “Fly high little Shane with your cheeky smile and twinkle in your eye. All our love Nina, Ryan, Mandy, Joanne,Maria and girls.”

Others include: “Such a beautiful little boy, cruelly taken so young. Heaven has gained a new angel”, “Thinking of you all, RIP Shane, fly high and keep smiling that gorgeous smile of yours” and “A life taken far too soon. My heart goes out to your family and all who knew you.”

Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the collision, which took place in Naseby Road, Winton, Bournemouth at 3.54pm on Wednesday.

Shane was a pupil of Winton primary school and head teacher Neil Tarchetti paid tribute to the “well-liked and enthusiastic little boy” and added: “This tragedy leaves his friends deeply affected.”

Police have appealed for witnesses to the accident in a bid to establish exactly what happened.

Sergeant Joe Pardey said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision and has yet to speak to officers to please contact Dorset Police. I would ask anybody who was in the area at the time to consider any dashcam or CCTV footage that they may have which could assist us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on 101.

The appeal page can be found at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ShaneBartlett5