Family pay tribute to boy, 5, killed after being hit by car walking home from school

The family of a five-year-old boy who was killed after being hit by a car while walking home from school have paid tribute to the ‘bright, happy, cheeky, loving child’.

Shane Bartlett was struck by a black Vauxhall Corsa last Wednesday in Bournemouth, Dorset, and died later in Poole Hospital because of severe head injuries.

He was one of seven siblings and was also a twin. He was walking home from school with his parents and siblings when he was hit by the car.

In a statement, his family said: ‘Sadly our son Shane Junior Bartlett was taken from us on 13 December.

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‘Our bright, happy, cheeky, loving child had the most beautiful smile and would brighten up your day, which would brighten up everyone else’s life every day.

‘He will be missed by so many people, especially mummy and daddy.

‘He has left a hole that will never be filled, and his twin has lost his partner and best friend. His brothers and sister are so empty without that smile from Shane Junior.

‘The family would like to say thank you for everyone’s support and donations, and Winton Primary School for their help through this difficult time. No words can describe how grateful we are.’

More than £4,900 has been raised on a JustGiving page to help fund his funeral.

His primary school called him a ‘well-liked and enthusiastic little boy’. He was coming towards the end of his first term as a pupil there.

The driver of the car, a woman in her 20s, was shaken but not hurt, police said. No one has been arrested.

(Main picture: JustGiving/Lucy Davis)