HEARTBREAKING tributes have been left at the scene of a crash which killed a three-year-old boy on Thursday.

The collision, which involved an articulated lorry, happened at a pedestrian crossing in North Street, Wareham shortly before 8.45am.

The boy died the day before his fourth birthday.

He has been named Jaiden in cards left by family members on a bench next to the crossing. One described him as a “little angel”.

A number four balloon was also tied to the bench.

Family members held a vigil to Jaiden, who is also known as JJ, yesterday morning, releasing balloons in his memory.

His mother, Yasmin Dougan, posted on Facebook: "Rest in peace my little Genius. I love you so much my precious boy. I miss you so much words can’t explain. Sleep tight my little angel. Forever in my heart and thoughts."

Some crowdfunding pages have also been set up to raise money for the family. One set up by Susie Johnson has already raised over £3,000.

Jade Devenish has now launched a campaign on JustGiving.com to raise money to allow Jaiden's parents and sister time off to grieve in the wake of his death.

Ms Devenish said she was a colleague of James Mangan, Jaiden's father, at Ferndown ABC boxing gym.

She wrote: "Myself, my family and our extended family at Ferndown ABC are heartbroken for James, Jaiden's mum Yaz and all those who knew and loved him.

"We want to do all we can to raise as much money as possible to assist in funeral arrangements and making sure James can be with his daughter and loved ones and grieve in his own space and time."

She added: "Sleep tight little man."

Locals have been leaving bunches of flowers at the scene.

Joyce Hardie, who owns Yesterdays in North Street, said the community had been left “totally devastated’’ by the youngster’s death.

“I’ve lived here for 30 years, and the whole place is heartbroken. I can only imagine what the family must be feeling.

“The one nice thing is that we’re a really close-knit community and support each other.”

Martin Tollerfield, owner of Lord Hardware, described Jaiden as “a lovely little fellow” and “a real livewire”.

“Everybody’s very sad. I’ve been here years and nothing like this has ever happened before, not to somebody so young,” he said.

Despite the efforts of police, paramedics and firefighters, Jaiden died at Dorset County Hospital.

The coroner has been notified.

The driver of a Sainsbury’s lorry, a 43-year-old man from Basingstoke, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences but has since been released under investigation.

Neighbourhood police officers were at the Corn Exchange this morning to provide support to people affected by the incident.

Superintendent Jared Parkin said he was “really impressed by the way the community have pulled together in difficult circumstances”.

“Obviously it’s had a massive impact on the really tight-knit community in Wareham. Regrettably, people saw something that was really traumatic.”

“My colleagues within the neighbourhood policing team felt it was really important to make sure the community were able to come and grieve together if that’s what they wished to do."

He also praised the efforts of the emergency services who dealt with the incident on Thursday.

To donate to the JustGiving appeal, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/susie-johnson-1?utm_id=106&utm_term=pNVja6GqB