The mother of eight-year-old Daniel Conroy Curtin, who was killed after being knocked down in a park by a joyrider, today agreed to donate his organs for transplant, Cleveland Police said.

Daniel died in hospital last night, nine days after he was hit by a stolen car on a cycle-path near his home in Middlesbrough.

His mother Clare Conroy allowed her son to be photographed as he lay on a ventilator in intensive care, believing he would get better.

But his severe head injuries caused his brain to shut down, Det Sgt Keith Dee said.

From the early stages it was always possible that he would die because of the severity of his injuries, he said.

He was an absolutely lovely kid, well-loved by friends and family and he will be sadly missed.

It is absolutely tragic.

We have a young boy out playing on the field with friends and we have some youths in a stolen vehicle, showing off, driving at speed in a dangerous manner, and Daniel has been struck.

His mother is devastated.

She has been by his bedside for the last 10 days at the James Cook University Hospital and she is absolutely shattered.

She managed to get some sleep last night, thanks to the doctors.

Mr Dee said Cleveland Police was considering whether to charge the 15-year-old they believe was behind the wheel at the time, with causing death by dangerous driving.

Discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service will take place later.

He said there were five people in the stolen Rover Metro which hit Daniel in Riverside Park.

The alleged driver has already appeared before youth court charged with aggravated vehicle taking.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said three passengers, two aged 19 and a 15-year-old, were charged with being carried in the vehicle, while a 14-year-old was on police bail pending further inquiries.

Speaking about the decision to allow Daniel to be photographed while on a ventilator, his mother told the Evening Gazette newspaper in Middlesbrough: I want people to know - and see first hand - that this is what happens when your child is hit by a car.

It could so easily be one of your own.

Children also need to take a hard look at this photo.

I hope it will make them think twice if they are ever tempted to get behind the wheel of a car.

Daniel lived with his mother, who is estranged from his father John, and a sister in Ayresome Road.