THE family of an 11-year-old boy killed in a crash involving a road sweeper have paid tribute to a 'beautiful, loving child'.

Daniel Climance sadly died following a collision with a road sweeper in Purton last week and has now been formally identified.

The youngster, of Swindon, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision in Station Road on Wednesday, June 10, after the crash, which happened at around 7.10pm.

An inquest into Daniel's death has been opened and adjourned.

Daniel's family said in a statement: "Daniel was a local Wiltshire lad who divided his time equally between his mum in North Swindon and his dad in Purton.

"He attended Bridlewood Primary School and was in his final year.  He was looking forward to starting Bradon Forest School in September, joining his big brother Robbie at the school.

"Daniel played football for Wootton Bassett U11 team which he loved. He had just completed his second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do of which he was immensely proud.

"Daniel was a beautiful, loving child with a fantastic sense of humour, caring and loving, with a wide circle of friends.

"He will be sadly missed by his brothers Robbie, George and Noah and all of the extended family."

On Friday, a statement from Bridlewood Primary School paid tribute to a 'popular, sporty' pupil as the community rallied to remember the youngster.

"It is with great sadness that we had the news that Daniel Climance was killed on Wednesday evening in a tragic accident in Purton," it said.

"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."

A spokesman for Wootton Bassett Town FC said: “The club is 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.” 

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.

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