Pictured: ‘Precious’ 11-year-old boy who was killed when he was hit by a bus while riding his bike 

Heartbreaking tributes have gone out to a ‘precious’ 11-year-old boy who died after being hit by a bus while riding his bike. 

Mason French was cycling in South Sheilds, South Tyneside, on Tuesday afternoon when the tragedy unfurled. 

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the schoolboy from Whitburn died at the scene, leaving his family devastated.

Mason’s loved ones are currently being supported by specialist police officers, while detectives continue their enquires into the tragedy. No arrests have been made. 

Inspector Phil Patterson, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘We are continuing to support Mason’s family as they try and process what has happened.

‘Our thoughts are with Mason’s loved ones, as well as the local community, who are deeply saddened by this tragic incident.’

Mason French was cycling in South Sheilds, on Tuesday afternoon when the tragedy unfurled. The 11-year-old died was hit by a bus and died at the scene

The ‘precious’ 11-year-old, from Whitburn, was described as ‘charismatic, sincere and full of energy’

The youngster’s death sent shockwaves across the community of Whitburn, which has rallied to support Mason’s family.

In the space of 24 hours, more than 700 people contributed to a GoFundMe campaign set up by Mason’s heartbroken aunt, Laura French – raising more than £15,000 to help his pay for his funeral.  

In a post on the site, Ms French said: ‘I am the aunty to the most precious little boy. The little boy who first taught me unconditional love. The little boy who would light up the room when he walked in with his smile and his humour. 

‘Unfortunately, this little boy was tragically taken from us suddenly. As a family we are trying to pull together unexpected costs for the funeral and to celebrate his life. 

‘No parents ever expect to have to deal with this news or arrange a funeral for their 11-year-old boy. 

‘In this current climate funds are difficult anyway and my beautiful sister hasn’t even returned to work yet after having a gorgeous baby girl. 

‘So never did I think I would do this but so many people have asked how they could help. A few quid would really help take some of the stress away of trying to give him the best celebration we can.’

Police are continuing to investigate the tragedy, which took place is Lizard Lane, South Sheilds on Tuesday afternoon. Pictured is a bus at the scene of the incident 

Paying tribute on Facebook, Mick Barkley added: ‘Mason, was at the forefront of so many lives; he was the life and soul of any room of which he entered, where he had a real presence with his quick wit, charm and laughter. 

‘Charismatic, sincere and full of energy, Mason was a young lad who loved doing young lad things.’

The tragedy took place at 3.30pm on Tuesday in Lizard Lane.  Police are appealing for anyone with any dashcam footage or information about the crash to get in touch. 

Inspector Patterson added: ‘We are working hard to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision and have already spoken with the bus driver, who remained the scene, as well as a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time.’ 

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police, by calling 101 or using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the force’s website, quoting log NP-20221025-0586.