FLORAL tributes line the street where 11-year-old Dan Climance lost his life in a collision with a road sweeper on Wednesday evening.

The local community in Purton, still coming to terms with the shock of an incident which has severely shaken its residents, have done what they can to commemorate the youngster.

Dan had been cycling along Station Road with his father and older brother at around 7.20pm when he collided with the DAF road sweeper, which was travelling towards Hook.

Neighbours rushed to his aid, but despite their best efforts, and those of the ambulance service, he tragically died at the scene.

Police are investigating the incident, and are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

Dan, a member of the Wootton Bassett Town Under 11 Blues Team, has been described as ‘extremely popular’ by his former team-mates, many of whom left tearful tributes to him by the roadside on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Wootton Bassett Town FC said: “The club is shocked and devastated to hear of the death of one its youth section members.

“Dan Climance, who played a leading part in the successful Under 11 Blues team, was tragically killed in a road traffic accident on Wednesday evening.

“Dan was an extremely popular member of his team with a keen sense of humour.

“All our thoughts at this difficult time are with Dan’s family, friends and teammates.

“Rest in peace Dan, you will be sorely missed.”

Jo Garton, headteacher of Bridlewood Primary School, said: “It is with great sadness that we had the news that Daniel Climance was killed on Wednesday evening in a tragic accident in Purton. We know no more than this about the incident.

“Daniel had been part of our school at Bridlewood since he was four years old. Daniel was a popular, sporty, bright boy whose height and deep voice gave the impression that he was older than his eleven years. Our thoughts are with his family who will feel his loss most keenly, but we will miss him too.

“In the last two days we have shared our feelings and have called in additional support to help all those in our school community who feel the shock of Daniel’s loss.”

Acting Inspector Ben Huggins, of Wiltshire Police, said: “To lose a child at such a young age is heartbreaking.

“This tragic incident has really shocked the local, close knit community of Purton, who I am sure will rally around the family in the coming days, weeks and months to ensure they have the support they need at such a difficult time.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young cyclist at this very sad time, and we will do everything we can to support them.”

Anyone with information should call PC Lee Prince on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.