TRIBUTES have been paid after a young boy was killed in a tragic accident in a hotel car park.

The 17-month-old victim, who has been named in reports as Jackson Yates, from Yarm, was hit by a Toyota Rav 4 vehicle at a car park to the rear of the ibis hotel in Salford Quays, Manchester.

It is understood he had been in Manchester with his mother Cheryl and other relatives to watch a live version of the popular ‘In the Night Garden’ children’s show, while dad Carl stayed at home.

It was as the group crossed the hotel car park that the toddler was struck by the vehicle.

At least two ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and several police cars were called to the hotel, but the young boy died at the scene.

Flowers have since been left in tribute at the scene of the accident, which happened just before 9.15pm on Thursday night.

A gofundme page has now been set up to raise money for Jackson’s parents Carl and Cheryl by friend Katie Metcalfe.

By Monday afternoon £2,500 had been raised with dozens of people donating to the site.

Lucy Hines said: “You were such a beautiful little boy, sleep tight angel.”

Sarah Maria said: “This is such a sad thing to happen [to] a beautiful little boy, always smiling when visiting the Co-Op where I work with that gorgeous smile.”

Jane Newbould said: “Sending heartfelt love to Jackson's family and friends and keeping you all in our prayers.”

Ms Metcalfe, who set up the page, said: “I’m hoping people find some kindness in their hearts to make this extremely difficult time a little less stressful for them.

“Shine bright Jackson.”

Sergeant Brian Orr, of the Greater Manchester Police serious collision investigation Unit, said they were appealing for witnesses.

He said: “This was a heart-breaking incident involving a young boy which has understandably left his family distraught and the thoughts of everyone in the unit are with them at this terrible time.

“At the moment this appears to have been a truly tragic accident and not a suspicious incident.

“However however we have launched an investigation to establish a full understanding of exactly what happened.”