THE devastated family of a teenage boy have paid an emotional tribute to a ‘fun loving’ young man who was fatally injured following a collision with a car.

Tom Brown, 16, was involved in the incident at 10.45pm on Monday (April 1). He was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where he died on Tuesday morning as a result of his injuries.

A statement from his family, issued through Cleveland Police, said: “Tom was a fun loving, compassionate and understanding young man who loved great debates about life.

“He had a place at Middlesbrough College to study engineering.

“Tom was the type of person who people would go to for advice and he was always keen to help people.

“He was precocious, tenacious, courageous and a beautiful brother and son.”

The Billingham teenager leaves his parents and his brothers, Andy and James.

On Tuesday, fellow school pupils gathered to pay their tributes at the spot on the Billingham road where the 16-year-old was fatally injured.

The Year 11 student at St Michael’s RC School in Billingham was walking on Wolviston Road in the town when he was involved in a collision with a red Lexus.

Joe White, headteacher at St Michael's RC School, said: “Tom was a happy, popular young person who was well-liked by all who met him.

“He had friends right across the school and our whole school community, staff and students alike, are devastated by the tragic loss of such a young life.

“Our prayers, thoughts and sympathy go out to Tom’s parents and family. When the students come back after the Easter holidays we will be working hard to support any children who have been affected during this upsetting and difficult time.”

Cleveland Police is investigating the incident and said no one has been arrested.

Witnesses are asked to contact PC Darren Cawthorne on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting reference 054379.