A CAR driver has been arrested following an alleged hit-and-run accident which claimed the life of a 17-year-old cyclist.Tributes were paid yesterday to James Halil , of Rishangles , a former pupil at Hartismere High School in Eye, who died in a collision with a car as he cycled along the B1077 road at Occold.

By David Green

A CAR driver has been arrested following an alleged hit-and-run accident which claimed the life of a 17-year-old cyclist.

Tributes were paid yesterday to James Halil , of Rishangles , a former pupil at Hartismere High School in Eye, who died in a collision with a car as he cycled along the B1077 road at Occold.

Passing motorists stopped to help the injured youngster until the first of two ambulances arrived.

Police said a 20-year-old male car driver voluntarily turned up at Eye Police Station after Tuesday night's crash and was arrested for allegedly failing to stop after an accident.

The motorist was bailed to report to Stowmarket Police Station on May 5.

The road, which links Debenham with Eye, was sealed off after the crash as the emergency services dealt with the incident.

James, whose sister, Jade, is a current pupil at Hartismere High, was taken to Ipswich Hospital but died from his injuries a short time after arrival.

Several bouquets were left at the scene yesterday.

Villagers last night paid tribute to the "pleasant young man" who came from a well known local family and who was "liked by all who knew him".

"He was a very quiet young man, a family boy who lived for his bike. Everyone in the village is devastated by what has happened," said a close friend of the family, who asked not to be named.

It is understood that James had just got himself a job after completing a training course as a cabinet maker.

Richard Hewitt, head of Hartismere High School, said James had left in the summer of 2002 after five years as a pupil but was well remembered, many of his former classmates now being members of the upper sixth form.

"He was a very friendly young man, always looking on the bright side of life and one of those who formed the backbone of what our school is all about.

"The thought of him not being with us any more is incredibly sad and our hearts go out to his family," he added.

Members of the dead teenager's family were too upset to talk about the tragedy.