TRIBUTES were today paid to 13-year-old Robert Kilroy who died when a car ploughed into him as he walked home.

The youngster was with his father and younger brother in Barnham on New Year's Day when they were knocked down by a Ford Mondeo which went out of control and mounted the pavement.

Robert's 43-year-old father and 11-year-old brother escaped with minor bruising and were taken to St Richard's Hospital at Chichester before being discharged.

Robert suffered internal and head injuries and died at St Richard's Hospital later the same night.

The accident happened less than two miles from the family home along the B2233 Barnham Road, Eastergate.

Robert went went to St Philip Howard Catholic High School, Barnham.

Head teacher Francis Casey said: "The entire community of the school is united in sorrow. He was a bright, cheerful and popular pupil with a wide range of interests."

Barry Harris, who lives close to the family home, said: "This is a horrible road and cars are always going down there too fast."

The driver of the Mondeo has not been named by police, who operate data protection guidelines.

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