FRIENDS have paid tribute to the “loveable” young man killed in an accident as he cycled on one of Poole’s busiest roads.

Keen sailor Michael Walker, 17, died on the southbound carriageway of 50mph Holes Bay Road at 1.30pm on Friday.

His road bike was in a collision with a Ford Fiesta driven by a 70-year-old man from Wareham.

Flowers have been placed at the scene, just south of the roundabout near the Broadstone Way junction.

A group of friends from Corfe Hills School in Broadstone told the Echo: “Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

“We will never forget his smile and personality which touched many. Taken away from us at such a young age, he will be sorely missed.”

He was a member of Poole Yacht Club, which is based in Hamworthy next to the ferry terminal.

Club member Stuart Regler said: “Mikey Wal-ker was a loveable, cheeky, mischievous young man who will be sadly missed by everyone, both old and young.”

Friends said on Twitter that he was a member of sea scouts and went rowing and camping.

One said: “He was a keen sailor, and always riding his bike. Such a happy, carefree kid.”

Ben, 17, from Broad-stone, told the Echo: “I was in Broadstone Middle and First School with him and have kept in very good touch ever since.

“He was such a fun guy to be around and was such a bubbly person.”

Katy Hyde, 18, from Tavistock in Devon, said: “Michael was a great guy.

“I met him on our Brownsea Island scout camp. He was always smiling and joking.

“We all learnt so much from him about sailing. He was such a lovely person and will be missed by everyone who knew him!”

Alessia Groppo, a friend from Broadstone First School, said: “The word ‘cheeky’ pretty much sums him up, that mischievous smile, and the laugh he never used to go without – it will stay with me forever.”

Police are still investigating the accident. The coroner’s office said the earliest an inquest could open is today.