TRIBUTES have been paid by the family of a Colchester teenager who died after being involved in an accident with a road sweeper.

Joshua Irvine, 18, of Canterbury Road, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision in Bromley Road, near Ardleigh, on November 8.

His family said he was “an angel walking on earth” and that they have been touched by the “love, support and good wishes” shown by his friends since the accident.

The Colchester Institute student was a passenger in a black Citroen Saxo that collided with the Colchester Borough Council vehicle around 1.30pm.

Staff from the Institute and St Helena School, where Josh was a pupil, have paid tribute to a “popular and likeable young man”.

A statement issued on behalf of his family said: “We have been so very moved by everyone’s love, support and good wishes and were to proud to learn a lot of more of what our son was like when he was not with us, but with his friends.

“We are so very glad that while he was with us all he touched and helped so many people and we would be delighted to get to know Josh’s friends and those who loved him so we can feel closer to our son.

“We were glad to know he had such good friends.

“We are also extremely grateful and touched by the kindness of our neighbours and of those who tried to come to Josh’s aid.

“We have been talking about how he was an angel walking on earth and how he is an angel with wings following family and friends and trying to keep care of them still.”

His family said he was hoping to become a marine engineer and join the Royal Navy after finishing his course in engineering. His tutor at Colchester Institute, Chris McKenzie, said: “We were deeply saddened to hear about what had happened and our thoughts are very much with Josh’s family and his friends – many of whom are also students here at Colchester Institute.

“Josh was a popular and likeable young gentleman who has worked extremely hard over the two years he has been with us and will be sadly missed by staff and fellow students at the College.”

Martyn Jordan, Josh’s former head of year at St Helena School, said: “The whole school were deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Josh.

“He was liked by both staff and students from across all year groups. He was one of life’s good guys who would do anything to help others.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time.”