Tributes have poured in remembering eight-year-old Joshua Slater, who tragically died in a car accident in North Yorkshire. 

Joshua, a "shining light of love", died at the scene after being hit by a car on Somerset Close, Catterick Garrison. 

The local community and football club have already raised more than £16,000 to support his heartbroken family. 

Joshua was a Year 3 pupil at Cambrai Primary School, in Catterick, which is part of the Lingfield Education Trust.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Joshua Slater

Joshua's headteacher, Mark Dent, said: "Joshua was a shining light of love, friendship and fun within our school family.

"We are heartbroken to know that we will never see his smile, or hear his giggles again, but our memories of him will never fade.

"Our school community will come together during this sad time to support each other, his family and friends. He will always be part of Cambrai."

Nick Blackburn, Chief Executive of the Lingfield Education Trust, added: "We offer our sincere condolences and love to Joshua’s family at this difficult time.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Flowers have been laid near the scene of the accident.Flowers have been laid near the scene of the accident. (Image: Tom Burgess)

 

"The trust is working with the school to support all members of the school community through these difficult few days and into the future."

A fundraiser has been set up for Joshua's family, with more than 900 donations pouring in in the last 24 hours. 

Conor Jackson, who organised the fundraiser, said: “We at Catterick Garrison Football Centre are raising funds to help with the costs of young Joshua Slater who unfortunately lost his life in a tragic car accident on the evening of September 5.

“We cannot even begin to think about how [his mum] Kirsty and her family are feeling at this devastatingly difficult time. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to you all.”

If you want to donate to the fundraiser, you can do so here.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson previously said: "Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after an eight-year-old boy died following a collision in Catterick Garrison last night (Tuesday 5 September).

"Officers were called by the ambulance service at 5.49 pm to Somerset Close following a report that a child pedestrian had been involved in a collision with a white Land Rover Discovery Sport.

"Tragically, the boy died at the scene from his injuries. The boy’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"At this time, no arrests have been made and the driver of the vehicle is assisting us with our enquiries.

"Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the collision or saw what happened to get in touch.

"If you have not already spoken to officers, please get in touch if you can help with information including dashcam footage or doorbell CCTV footage of the vehicle or the collision itself.

"Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to email Nicola.Peters@northyorkshire.police.uk. 

"Or call 101 and pass information for incident number 12230168003."