THE father of a tragic toddler killed in a road accident today paid tribute to the little boy he called "my diamond geezer".

Four-year-old Bradley Louis Turner was knocked down and killed after he ran out in front of a car outside Clitheroe Cricket Club in Chatburn Road, Clitheroe.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene following the accident, which happened at about 6pm on Saturday.

Bradley was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The accident was heard by players and spectators at the Clitheroe v Baxenden match in the Jennings Ribblesdale League.

The game was stopped temporarily but the seriousness of the accident wasn't discovered by people in the ground until later in the evening.

Today dad Gary Turner, 39, of Lime Street, Clitheroe, said he could not believe that his son was dead.

He said: "He was a great little lad, an absolute cracker and I can't believe what has happened. I'll miss him so much.

"He was just outside playing with his brothers and sisters and friends in the garden like they do everyday.

"He must have just gone off with someone and decided to cross over to the cricket ground when he was knocked down.

"He was my baby, my diamond geezer and I can't believe he's gone, I'll miss everything about him so much.

"He was supposed to go to school in September and he was really looking forward to it.

"All his brothers and sisters are at school already and they always talk about it, Bradley couldn't wait to join them."

Bradley was the youngest of four brothers and a sister who live with their dad, a telephone box cleaner, in Lime Street.

Kyle, seven, Jamie, 12, Jordan, eight and Sophie, six, were today being comforted at the house by Mr Turner and trying to come to terms with the loss of their little brother.

Police said it appeared Bradley, who went to Brookside Day Nursery in the town, had run out from behind a parked car when he was knocked down.

The driver of the Vauxhall Corsa was Mrs Edith Hallsworth, 52, of Everest Drive, Blackpool.

Police said she was devastated by the accident and that there was no indication she had been speeding in the 30mph zone.

Officers closed Chatburn Road for two hours following the accident and are appealing for witnesses.

Anybody with information should call PC Gary Taylor, of the Accrington Road Policing Unit on 01254 382141.