A fundraising appeal to help the family of an 11-year-old boy who tragically died this week has raised more than £15,000.

Police confirmed today (Thursday, October 27) that the boy who died after being hit by a bus on Lizard Lane in Whitburn on Tuesday afternoon was 11-year-old Mason French.

Mason had been riding his bicycle when tragedy struck and despite the best efforts of paramedics who rushed him to hospital, the youngster died from his injuries.

A Go Fund Me campaign titled 'Celebrating our beautiful boy' has been set up to help his devastated family and it has so far raised more than £15,000.

The appeal text describes Mason as 'the little boy who would light up the room when he walked in with his smile and his humour'.

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

It adds: "Unfortunately this little boy was tragically taken from us suddenly.

"As a family we are trying to pull together unexpected costs for the funeral and to celebrate his life.

"No parents ever expect to have to deal with this news or arrange a funeral for their 11-year-old boy."

The appeal goes on to state: "A few quid would really help take some of the stress away of trying to give him the best celebration we can.

"Thank you all for your kind words and support."

Since the tragic incident flowers have been left at the scene of the collision.

Handwritten notes describe Mason as 'the brightest star in the sky' and say that he will be: "Forever loved, forever missed, never forgotten."

Northumbria Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

Inspector Phil Patterson said today: “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.”

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.

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