TRIBUTES have been paid to an eight-year-old boy who died after being struck by a car on Wednesday.

The child was hit by a Volkswagen Polo near to the Burn Valley roundabout on Stockton Road in Hartlepool shortly after 3pm.

It is believed he had a blood transfusion before being airlifted by the Great North Air Ambulance to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where he died.

One eyewitness was Michael O'Callaghan, 51, who said: "There was a guy in a black suit giving him CPR, he looked like he was from the funeral directors across the road. There was a lady crying her eyes out and lots of people, children too, in the area. It was just awful to see.

"The air ambulance helicopter landed just by the roundabout. The police and everyone were here a long time, until about 8pm. Everyone was obviously doing everything they could.

"It was horrible. My heart just goes out to that family."

Another neighbour, a woman who did not wish to be named, was also at home. She said: "I heard this screaming. At first I thought it was Halloween kids doing trick or treat or something, but then I realised it was much more serious. It sounded like chaos outside. I started shaking and when the air ambulance came it shook the whole house."

Flowers and cards were placed at the scene today, and many dozens of tributes have been left online.

Frances Stephenson said: "Safe in the arms of the Angels. RIP little man. Thinking of you and all your family at this very sad time. Candle lit just for you."

Donna Elliott said: "My heart goes out to his family and friends at this extremely sad time. Poor little angel. RIP."

Lee Anne Dickson said: "What a tragic waste of such a young life. My thoughts and condolences to all his family and friends."

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact PC Martin Tranmer from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 196376.