THE mother of a six-year-old child killed in a Co Down road crash has described her devastation at losing "my beautiful boy".
Clare Kelly said she had spent "six brilliant years" with her little boy Joshua, who had now grown "his wings".
The schoolboy was knocked down on the road outside his home in Newtownards on Wednesday shortly after 3pm.
It is understood the accident happened as he waved to a family member on the road.
An emotional Ms Kelly yesterday visited the floral tributes left close to the scene of where her son tragically lost his life. It is understood the family had just recently moved to the area.
Ms Kelly was too heartbroken to speak publicly about her son's death.
However, in a message posted online yesterday along with a photograph of her with her son, she said: "Yesterday my beautiful boy grew his wings.
"And I thank god for the 6 brilliant years I had (with) him. RIP my wee bird."
Joshua was a P3 pupil at St Finian's Primary School in the town.
Principal Barry Coulter last night described how Joshua's "affectionate personality was infectious".
"Joshua Kelly was a much loved pupil here in St Finian’s Primary School and will be sadly missed by the whole school community," he said,
"Joshua was a beautiful, kind little boy who was very popular with his classmates and the staff of the school.
"His smile could light up a room and his bubbly, affectionate personality was infectious.
"There is a severe sense of shock and grief throughout our school.
"Trained staff from the Education Authority’s Critical Incident Response Team are helping to support the staff and children through this difficult time.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Joshua’s entire family circle and the St Finian’s school community sends them our sincerest sympathy and support."
DUP MP Jim Shannon described the little boy's death as "totally heartbreaking".
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin also said: "This is so desperately sad. Heartbreaking. A tragic loss of a young life. My deepest sympathy to his family".
