The boy who tragically died in a collision in South Shields has now been named as 11-year-old Mason French.

At around 3.30pm on Tuesday (October 25), police were contacted by members of the public, who reported that a boy had been hit by a bus while riding his bicycle on Lizard Lane in Whitburn.

Officers and emergency services attended, but sadly the 11-year-old died at the scene.

Police have now named him as Mason French of Whitburn.

Mason’s family are currently being supported by specialist officers and have requested privacy at this difficult time.

The Northern Echo: Flowers left at the scene where Mason died Picture: Connor LarmanFlowers left at the scene where Mason died Picture: Connor Larman (Image: Northern Echo)

Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing and yesterday (Wednesday) officers requested assistance from members of the public, asking anyone with dashcam footage, or information about what happened, to get in touch.

Read more: Heartfelt tributes paid to 'happy go lucky' dad who died in serious pub assault

Inspector Phil Patterson, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are continuing to support Mason’s family as they try and process what has happened.

“Our thoughts are with Mason’s loved ones, as well as the local community, who are deeply saddened by this tragic incident.

“We are working hard to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision and have already spoken with the bus driver, who remained the scene, as well as a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time.

“As ever, if you think you can assist us, please get in touch.”

Over the last two days flowers have been placed at the scene of Mason's tragic death.

Handwritten messages described him as "the most amazing, kind-hearted, beautiful boy."

"Forever loved, forever missed, never forgotten."

The Northern Echo: Flowers left at the scene of Mason's death Picture: Connor LarmanFlowers left at the scene of Mason's death Picture: Connor Larman (Image: Northern Echo)

Another person described him as "the brightest star in the sky."

Another tribute at the scene read: "What a tragic loss of a beautiful boy. Our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.

"He was a wonderful boy and he will be badly missed."

They said: "You filled everyone's life with so much joy and you were taken to soon.

"11-years just wasn't enough you have left the hearts of many broken."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact police by calling 101 or using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website, quoting log NP-20221025-0586.

The Northern Echo: Flowers left at the scene where Mason died Picture: Connor LarmanFlowers left at the scene where Mason died Picture: Connor Larman (Image: Connor Larman)

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here