THE family of 12-year-old schoolboy who died in a road accident has described him as "loving and gentle”.

Luke Squires, a pupil at Thamesview School, Thong Lane, Gravesend, was involved in a collision with a car in Leander Drive, near the school, at about 3pm last Thursday.

His parents, Jane and Michael Squires, say they have been devastated and in a tribute, issued through Kent Police, said: “Luke was a dearly loved little boy.

"He was gentle, loving and friendly. He cared a lot about his friends and family and always looked up to his big brother.

"Luke had a great sense of humour and forever had a big grin on his face, which brightened everybody’s day.”

“He was very creative and loved to use his computer to design virtual rollercoasters and zoos. He was a good badminton player and he also loved to play chess against his granddad, as he knew he could always beat him.

“A big piece of us is missing. We love Luke very much and he has left a great big hole in our lives.”

Following the collision, Luke was initially taken to Dartford's Darent Valley Hospital but his condition deteriorated and he was subsequently transferred to Kings College Hospital in London where he died.