Tributes have been left for a 'charming' and 'very popular' young man who died after being hit by a car.
The 14-year-old Nova Hreod Academy student, confirmed to be Harry Parker, was knocked down on Akers Way just outside the school on Friday morning.
He was airlifted to Bristol hospital, but despite the efforts of paramedics he died later that day, with his death confirmed by Wiltshire Police the day after.
Hundreds of people have laid floral tributes at the scene of the crash, and many other tributes like football shirts and photographs have been left.
The school, which has been praised for its handling of such a tragic event, has issued a statement paying tribute to the popular student who was on his way into the school at the time he was hit.
A spokesperson for Nova Hreod Academy said: “Everyone at Nova Hreod is deeply saddened by the loss of Harry Parker who was a very popular and charming young man with a fantastic sense of humour. He cared for his friends deeply and was a keen football player.
“Across the school, we are mourning this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”
Police closed the road on Friday morning after being called out to reports that a pedestrian had been hit by a car at 8.20pm.
It was reported that the driver had failed to stop at the scene, so police were appealing for information to locate the motorist involved.
After an investigation was carried out, a woman in her 50s was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving on the same day and has since been released on bail.
A Wiltshire Police spokesman added: "We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision – if you were in Akers Way this morning and have information which could help, please call 101 and quote log number 67 of November 25."
Harry's death has been felt strongly in the community, many of which will still have memories of the incident that took place 31 years ago on the same road.
A driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a bench where children were gathered, killing five of them and injuring two others. A memorial for this incident has been placed at Akers Way and serves as a permanent reminder of the tragedy.
There are now calls, including from Harry’s family themselves, for something to be done to make the road safer.
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