THE heart-broken family of a six-year-old boy who died in a road accident at the weekend yesterday paid tribute to their “happy, cheeky boy” who was full of life and loved cars and football.

THE heart-broken family of a six-year-old boy who died in a road accident at the weekend yesterday paid tribute to their “happy, cheeky boy” who was full of life and loved cars and football.

Theo Thompson died in hospital on Monday, two days after the collision outside his home at Rowan Way, Worlingham, on Saturday evening. He had been crossing a road in the village when he was struck by a Mini Cooper at about 9.30pm.

His devastated parents said in a statement: “Our darling son Theo was a happy, cheeky boy, full of energy and life. He loved football, cars, bikes and playing at the park - a real boy's boy. But he was also a very caring, loving little chap who was sensitive and considerate - he hated seeing other people upset, and he was a fantastic big brother to his little sister Cayla (4) - they were very close to each other.”

They said Theo had a fantastic, mischievous sense of humour, and his two most outstanding features were definitely his cheeky little grin and his beautiful big brown eyes. He was very photogenic - and he knew it!

“Unusually for a six-year-old, he also had a spiritual side to his nature, and he loved being with all his friends at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Beccles.

“Everybody loved him, and he has touched more hearts than we ever realised. We can't believe that he's gone and our lives will never be the same without him, but we've had so much support and help from family, friends and neighbours.”

The family also expressed their deep gratitude to the police, ambulance staff, James Paget University Hospital at Gorleston and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Addenbrookes Hospital at Cambridge, who did everything they could for him and them.

Theo was put on a life-support machine following the accident suffering serious head and chest injuries and died on Monday evening at Addenbrooke's. The driver was not injured.

No arrests have been made but police are investigating and a post mortem examination will be carried out soon.

Lindsay Hanger, acting deputy head at Crowfoot Primary School, where he was a pupil, paid the school's tribute to Theo, describing him as an intelligent, hard-working and well-liked little boy. His recent report indicated that he was making good progress in all areas.

“He had a wide circle of friends who will all miss him, as will the teachers and other school staff. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this sad time.”

Worlingham's rector, the Rev Suzie Ellis, said she had been praying for the family since the accident at the weekend and hoped to be able to offer them support. She said: “It is a most appalling tragedy. My prayers are with the whole family. They are very much in our hearts at the moment. We will continue to pray for each one of them.”

Anybody with information about the accident should contact PC Richard Godden on 01473 613500.