A teenage boy from Herne Bay was knocked down and killed by a bus as he ran away from Lidl following a “shoplifting dare”.

Trainee hairdresser Charleigh Etherington, 16, was hit by the double decker after fleeing the budget supermarket on Friday.

Witnesses described seeing him running from the store in Greenwich pursued by a security guard after being dared to shoplift a bottle of water.

The Canterbury College student became trapped underneath the bus and was pronounced dead at the scene, despite attempts by paramedics to revive him.

His uncle Richard Etherington told the Evening Standard: “He was a lovely person, the most caring person you could meet.

“He was going to go to a Halloween party that night. I was told one of his mates told him to pinch a bottle of water from the supermarket as a dare and that’s why he was running.

“He wasn’t a bad kid at all. If he did this it was just a one-off, a mistake. He wasn’t in a gang and didn’t hang around with groups of yobs. He was never in trouble with the police.

“He was big, about 6ft 2ins, but he was the gentlest, kindest person you would meet. His family and friends meant everything to him. He was always thinking of others.

“We are all devastated. His mum is struggling to cope. It’s hit everyone so hard.”

Charleigh was visiting family and friends in London after moving to Herne Bay last year with his family.

He had been training at Canterbury College to become a hairdresser. Friends and family have expressed their shock and posted tributes to him on Facebook.

His mother Aisha Etherington wrote: “My darling beautiful baby boy my angel love you so much.”

Cousin Harry Etherington added: “To my cuz Charleigh Etherington I love you so much I can not believe you’re gone. It is going to be so weird without you. I and everyone else will never forget you. Love you lots and lots R.I.P.”

“We are all devastated. His mum is struggling to cope. It’s hit everyone so hard” - Richard Etherington

Tracy Bater posted: “Rest well Charleigh. You were a blessing and special boy to your mum and dad, shine bright lovely boy.Will miss you loads, love auntie Tracy.”

The bus driver stopped at the scene in Eynsham Drive, which has been covered in floral tributes.

A post-mortem examination was held today (Tuesday, November 4) and established the cause of death as multiple injuries.

Police Det Sgt Richard Budd has appealed for witnesses to come forward to help establish the full circumstances surrounding Charleigh’s death.

Witnesses can call Catford Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0208 285 1574 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.