TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a “delightful, warm-natured and popular little boy” who died after a road accident.

The seven-year-old pupil of Canford Heath Infant School, called Toby, passed away after a collision with a car in nearby Sherborn Crescent.

Kate Carter, Executive Head Teacher of the school, said staff are devastated and she sent condolences to Toby’s family.

In a statement she said: “We are truly devastated that one of our wonderful pupils, Toby, who was just seven, from Canford Heath Infant School, has tragically died following a road traffic accident in Sherborn Crescent, Canford Heath.

“Toby, who was in our Panthers class in Year Two, was the most delightful, warm-natured and popular little boy who lit up our school. He will be a huge loss to all of us at Canford Heath Infants, especially to his friends and all the staff, who absolutely adored him.”

The school is one of four in the area which form the TEACH Trust and Mrs Carter said support will be available to all students.

“The local authority is working closely with all four Trust schools to help put into place extra pastoral care and counselling support for any child or adult who has been affected by this tragedy” she added.

A Book of Condolence will also be in place at the entrance of the school from this morning for anyone who wishes to sign it and leave their best wishes for Toby’s family.

“Everyone in our Trust, and I am sure across Canford Heath as a whole community, send their deepest and most heart-felt condolences and love to Toby’s family at this most terrible of times” said Mrs Carter.

The school also hosted a balloon release yesterday afternoon attended by members of the community and Toby’s family.

People were asked to bring purple balloons - which represent the school’s colours - and dozens of them were released into the sky around 4pm.

One parent said the event was a great way for the community to come together and show their support at this tragic time.

At least 100 bunches of flowers have been left at the scene of the tragedy, along with messages of support and cuddly toys.

A steady stream of well-wishers laid flowers yesterday, including mum Kerry Male, whose son suffered serious injuries in an accident in the same road a year ago.

She said: “I felt I just wanted to bring some flowers and pay my respects. This is an estate full of families we are just thinking of the little boy and his family.”

Another woman, who also took flowers to the scene, was in tears. She said: “I don’t know the family but my daughter is in the same class as Toby and it is a terrible thing to have happened. I feel so very sorry for his family.”

Mrs Ward, who lives nearby, said: “I have got three grandchildren and I am always warning them to be careful on the roads. It’s so sad and the little boy is on everyone’s minds.”

Cuddly toys at the scene included a rabbit, teddy, snail, lion, dog and tiger and there were also a number of sympathy cards.

Ward councillor Sandra Moore told the Daily Echo she has been contacted by many concerned parents of the nearby schools since the incident happened.

“My heart goes out to the family,” she said.

“They must be supported through this terrible tragedy.

“Canford Heath is largely family housing, lots of parents with children at different schools all close by, and this is absolutely devastating for them.

“We must work out how to make sure this never happens again. It is an absolute tragedy.”