TEN-year-old Freddie Perry died as a result of a “terrible accident” involving a car thought to have been driven by a teacher at his sister’s new school.

Last night his parents Lea and Judith Perry, paid tribute to him in statement issued by police which said their “lovely son” had been taken from them too early.

The youngster died on Wednesday afternoon at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital as a result of injuries sustained the day before in a collision near his home in Oxford Crescent, Didcot.

It is understood a female teacher from Didcot Girls’ School – which Freddie’s youngest sister Eloise joined last week – was driving a black Nissan Micra involved in the incident.

Mr and Mrs Perry’s tribute continued: “He was a wonderful son and a fantastic younger brother to Rhiannon, 14, who has Down’s Syndrome and he doted on her, and to Eloise, 11.

“He will be very sadly missed by all.”

Yesterday Freddie’s headteacher Ruth Bennie, of Stephen Freeman Community Primary School, said: “We are devastated. Everybody who knew Freddie loved Freddie. He is going to leave a big Freddie-shaped hole in the school community.”

She said the youngster’s Year Six class were given the day to do whatever they needed, adding: “The children have been remembering him this morning.

“They have been making a Harry Potter-themed memory book because Freddie loved Harry Potter.”

And she added: “Our thought are all with his family and friends.”

Freddie had trained at the Didcot-based CP Defence kick boxing and self-defence school for more than a year.

Craig and Bonnie Pinder, who run the club, yesterday said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with the Perry family right now. It was a pleasure to have Freddie at CP Defence.

“He was a shy student, always well behaved, hard working, and with great character.

“He will be missed by many. It’s such a sad loss.”

Tributes were also paid to the young boy on social media sites.

Caroline Bennett, from Didcot, wrote on Facebook: “Heaven has gained another angel this afternoon, they only take the best! RIP Freddie, sleep tight! Xxxxxx”

And on Twitter, Katy of @paleflxsh said: “RIP freddie, such a happy boy will be missed by all”

Police, who have spoken to the driver, had yesterday made no arrests but made another appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Rachael Warwick, headteacher at Didcot Girls’ School, said support was being offered to students and staff affected.

She said: “As a school, we are shocked and saddened by news of this tragic incident.

“Our thoughts and very best wishes are with Freddie’s family at such a difficult and painful time.”

She added: “Our understanding is that this was a terrible accident and now we need to allow the police investigation to take its course.”

Anyone with information should call Pc Naomi Voysey at Abingdon Roads Policing on the 101 number.