A NINE-year-old boy has died after he was hit by a taxi in Burnley.

Tributes have today been paid to William Haigh who died after his bike collided with a Toyota Avensis in Belvedere Road at 5pm yesterday.

Police said William, of Leyland Road, rode his bike out of Ridge Road on to Belvedere Road, where he was struck by the taxi.

Officers called to the scene found the youngster unconscious and tried to resuscitate him before he was taken by ambulance to Burnley General Hospital, where he died.

Police were due to interview the driver of the car later this week.

A police spokesman said: "William appears to have sustained serious head injuries after a collision with a Toyota Avensis. Officers attempted CPR before he was transferred by paramedics to Burnley General Hospital, where he later died. The circumstances seem to be that he emerged on to Belvedere Road against the flow of traffic and was struck by the car."

Neighbour Farha Khan, of Leyland Road, said William was a popular boy in the area.

Mrs Khan, 37, said: "He was a lovely boy and everybody is very upset. He often used to play out in the street on his bike and people can't believe he is dead. It is very sad."

She said William had been friends with her daughter, Ayesha, nine, and a fellow pupil at St Peter's School.

He was also a member of the Albert Street after-school club.

Mrs Khan said William lived with his mum Adele and brother Ben, 12.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call them on 01282 472542.