POLICE are appealing for witnesses, following the death of a 16-year-old boy, whose bicycle was in collision with a tipper truck in Tavistock last Thursday.

The accident happened at around 4.10pm in Parkwood Road, near the junction with Yelverton Terrace. Police say the DAF truck was in collision with the cyclist, who was travelling towards Kelly College.

He was airlifted to Derriford Hospital with serious head injuries, but died within a few hours of the accident.

He was later named as Xu Liu, a Chinese national, who was a boarding student at Kelly College and a member of Courtenay house.

The boy's father travelled with family friends from China to England as soon as he heard the tragic news. 

He told the Times via a translator: 'The family is shocked and devastated at the loss of our dear son. 

'We know that he was happy in Tavistock and we are grateful to all those who helped him at the scene of the accident and at the hospital.

'Liu Xu was everything to us and we do not know how we will ever come to terms with our loss.'

Dr Graham Hawley, Kelly headmaster, said: 'Xu Liu — known as Bill in England — had joined our lower sixth form as a full boarder this term.

'He will be very greatly missed, particularly by his friends in the school, those in his boarding house, and all who taught him.

'Our thoughts are very much with Bill's family and closest friends, and we are doing everything we can to provide the very best support to them, as well as for other pupils and staff, at this profoundly difficult time.

'We will be holding a memorial service for Bill in the college chapel, to enable pupils and staff to pay their respects and share their memories.'

Many floral tributes have been placed near the spot where the accident happened.

One message said: 'In loving memory of a true Courtenay boy — in our hearts forever'.

Another said: 'I'm really sad I didn't get to know you — the school will always remember you'.

Plates of fruit have also been placed by the bunches of flowers — a traditional Chinese offering.

The college postponed an open day which was due to take place on Saturday — the school's harvest festival was also postponed.

The road was closed following the accident and was not re-opened until 11.10pm.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the accident to contact them on 101, quoting log number 528 of 29/09/11.