Police yesterday named the youngster as Kane Scales, aged 15, from Roker.

The Monkwearmouth School pupil was hit by a Vauxhall Passat next to The Grange pub, in Newcastle Road, on Thursday evening.

Kane suffered serious injuries and was treated in the intensive care unit of Sunderland Royal Hospital, but died on Friday.

Sunderland AFC shirts covered in hand-written messages for the football-mad youngster lined the walls of homes next to the spot where the accident happened.

Dozens of grieving friends gathered over the weekend to lay flowers and pay their respects.

One of his pals said at the scene: "He was my best friend. I'm really going to miss him.

"He was funny, caring and really down to earth. You could trust him with anything and he was really popular."

Another school friend added: "It still hasn't sunk in that he's gone."
Hundreds of tributes have also been posted on websites, including memorial site www.gonetoosoon.com.

One said: "Rest in peace babe, you'll never ever, ever be forgotten."
The driver of the Passat was said to be shaken but uninjured after the accident, which happened at about 8pm last Thursday.

Northumbria Police have launched an investigation and are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to the occupants of a light blue hatchback seen near the scene of the accident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (03456) 043 043.