A heartbroken family have paid tribute to their "loving" 15-year-old who was tragically killed in a fatal crash earlier this week.

Conner Loder, known to his friends and family as 'Loder', was a passenger in a vehicle which was involved in a crash on Stamfordham Road in Newcastle on Monday (June 10) morning.

Northumbria Police have said a Mazda car had been travelling in the area when it raised the suspicions of a police patrol car and made off - police then followed.

Conner Loder, 15.Conner Loder, 15. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

However, the Mazda was later found to have swerved off the road and hit signage, sadly taking the life of Conner.

Police arrested five boys, aged 14, 15 and three 16-year-olds on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but have all since been bailed.

Now, Conner's family have released a heart-breaking statement as they pay tribute to his young life.

They said: “He loved spending time with his friends, family and girlfriend Leah. He would have done anything for any one of them.”

“We’re a big family and we often spend a lot of time together outdoors – camping and going on long walks. This would be when Conner was at his happiest.

“It was a joy to watch him with his younger brother and sisters. He was very playful – and so funny!

“Such a big part has been taken from us. We’ve never experienced pain like it as a family. We miss him every single day.”

An investigation in to the crash and Conner's death continues as police urge witnesses to make themselves known.

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Inspector Dean Hood, of Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Conner at this extremely difficult time.

“We are continuing to do everything we can to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“We urge anyone who has information that may assist our investigations to come forward.”