A SIX-year-old boy died after he was in collision with a car while crossing the road outside his home, an inquest has heard.

A SIX-year-old boy died after he was in collision with a car while crossing the road outside his home, an inquest has heard.

Theo Thompson suffered serious injuries after the crash in Rowan Way, Worlingham, near Beccles, and died in hospital two days later.

The Lowestoft inquest heard yesterday that the Crowfoot Primary School pupil was travelling home with his family and close family friends from a nearby function at about 9.30am on July 19.

He was sitting in the back of a silver Ford Mondeo, being driven by a family friend, which pulled up opposite the Thompson's house and parked in front of a white van.

While the car was parked at the kerb, Theo got out and made his way to the front of the vehicle. He was then seen running into the gap between the car and the van to cross the road just before he was in collision with a blue Mini Cooper.

Theo was taken to hospital and put on a life support machine but died on the Monday evening at Addenbroke's Hospital in Cambridge.

In a statement released shortly after his death, his parents Scott and Lydia said: “Our darling son Theo was a happy, cheeky boy full of energy and life. He loved football, cars, bikes and playing at the park - a real boy's boy.

“But he was also a very caring, loving little chap who was sensitive and considerate, he hated seeing other people upset and he was a fantastic big brother to his little sister Cayla, they were very close to each other.”

Suffolk coroner Peter Dean said: “Evidence suggests it [the Mini Cooper] was not being driven at any speed and it is clear that the driver would not have seen Theo until the tragic collision occurred.”

He added: “This is clearly a very, very tragic accident that took place on that day.”

Mr Dean yesterday recorded a verdict of accidental death.