A 12-YEAR-OLD Poole boy died in a cycling accident on the way to school yesterday morning.

Aidan O’Neill was riding across a footbridge over the Dorset Way in Poole just after 8am when he was involved in what police described as “a tragic accident”.

It is understood Aidan was making his way to Poole Grammar School when he hit metal barriers and fell from his bike.

The Year Eight student was taken to Poole Hospital but died later in the morning.

Police said the schoolboy was crossing the bridge from Trigon Road to Harwell Road when the accident happened.

Ian Carter, headteacher at Poole Grammar School, said: “Aidan was a young man of tremendous potential who was just at the beginning of his career at the school.

“The loss of every young life is a tragedy and the whole Poole Grammar community feels his loss deeply.

“We will do all we can to support the family and all our pupils in the days ahead.”

Within hours of the tragedy, scores of tributes had been posted on the RIP (Aidan O’Neill) Facebook page.

Brother Alex Way wrote: “Aidan was cycling and he hit the barrier and got internal injuries and died in hospital. He was wearing a helmet but he didn’t hit his head.

“We’re all devastated, but thanks for your thoughts.”

Alex Di Marco said: “He was in my class and he was a good friend.

“He always had a smile on his face and was always happy.”

Henry Barthram said: “Words cannot describe how much he will be missed by everyone in the school community.”

Jordan Moore described Aidan as “a really nice guy”.

Dorset Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We are investigating on behalf of the coroner,” said a police spokesman.

The next of kin have been informed. Flowers were left at the scene yesterday afternoon.

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