POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old Tavistock boy was killed in a road accident Whitchurch Road on Tuesday evening.

Keith Sturge, a Year 8 student at Tavistock College, was in collision with a white Vauxhall Cavalier which was travelling towards Horrabridge, at the Witham Park junction just before 7pm.

He suffered serious head injuries and later died at Derriford Hospital.

A number of youngsters who witnessed the accident alerted two off-duty firemen who live nearby. The two men gave immediate first aid but were unable to save the boy.

The young witnesses, aged 10 to 13, are to be interviewed by specially trained officers, and anybody who saw the accident is asked to contact the police, quoting incident number 1182, of April 8.

Tavistock College principal John Simes yesterday issued a statement paying tribute to Keith.

It said: ?We can only imagine the grief and suffering of Keith?s family at such a terrible event in their lives.

?As a college we grieve with them and extend the deepest sympathy and compassion of our college community.

?Although Keith had only been with us a short time, he had made a very positive contribution to college life, and was highly thought of by staff and students alike. He will be missed by his many friends.?

Mr Simes? statement said counselling and support was being organised for students and staff.