Tributes have been paid to Charlie Richardson who died after being hit by a car in Westgate on Friday.

The 14-year-old was taken to a London hospital in a serious condition and later died of his injuries.

He was a pupil at King Ethelbert School where a special whole school assembly was held this morning.

Head teacher Kate Greig said: “Charlie was a very important, much loved member of our school family and we are devastated by this tragic loss.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this dreadful time.

“Charlie was a witty, lively, charming boy who always had a huge smile on his face.

“He was also someone who had those extra special human attributes – he was kind, generous and completely loyal.

“We are all going to miss him dreadfully – his death is a huge loss to our whole school.

“We had a whole school assembly this morning with all students and staff – it was very important for us all to come together as a community to share our immense sorrow and grief.

“We will be holding a Celebration of Life assembly for Charlie in school and we will also be collecting money so that we can dedicate some lasting memorial in King Ethelbert so that Charlie will always be remembered by us all.”

A Facebook group set up in his memory already has more than 600 members.

One message said: “Sleep tight Charlie. You obviously touched a lot of people’s lives and now everybody is heartbroken.”

Another left a moving tribute, it said: “I know you’re probably sitting up in heaven right now, chilling and smiling down on us all.

“I hope we’re making you proud. Everyone is heartbroken, but we are all staying strong together because we know all you did was smile and joke.

“I bet heaven’s got 100 times better now you’ve joined, making all the other angels smile.

“It’s mad to think you have gone too soon.”

Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the accident, which is thought to have happened after the boy got off a bus.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after emergency crews, including police and ambulances, were called to Westgate Bay Avenue near the Beach Road junction at about 5.45pm on Friday.

Former Westgate ward councillor Simon Moores said: “Very saddened to hear the lad struck by a car in my street has died.

“I sent multiple warnings and complaints to police as a ward councillor that a fatality was a risk in Westgate Bay Avenue.

“My own wall has been knocked down twice in the past.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to call the appeal line on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference 27-1029.