"A joyful, happy go lucky little boy." That's how the mother of a three-year-old boy who died after a car reversed over him in Kent has described her son.

Cody Leach was killed just yards from his home in Sea View Gardens, Warden Bay, Sheppey on Monday evening. He was playing on his scooter when the tragedy happened.

He was airlifted to Maidstone Hospital in the Kent Air Ambulance but died from his injuries.

In a statement, Cody's mum Michelle Leach, 27, described him as a "beautiful son". She also said: "This tragedy has left me broken hearted.

"It has left all of our family absolutely devastated; Cody's two brothers Owen and Mason miss him dearly."

Tribute flowers and toys were laid on a small patch of grass near the scene on the following day.

Cody's mother added: "So many people in our village have paid their respects. So many people have shown me that Cody will be so sorely missed by everybody in our neighbourhood.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everybody, but a special thank you to my friend Kelly Stevens who tried so very hard to keep Cody breathing until the paramedics arrived."

Earlier this week, Cody's maternal grandfather Steven Kennedy said: "Cody was a fun-loving, mischievous little rogue so will be sadly missed by everybody. This is every parent's worst nightmare."

The car involved was a black Citroen C4. Police have not arrested or charged anyone in connection with the incident at this time.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact Kent police’s serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538 or call Kent Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.