Tributes to 'irreplaceable' boy

Matthew was a keen musician and footballer

The family of an 11-year-old who died after being hit by a bus have paid tribute to their "irreplaceable" boy.

Matthew Hobbs, of Brent Lane, Dartford, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident in Princes Road on Wednesday.

Parents Leonard and Valerie Hobbs said: "Matthew was well loved by all and left a lasting impression on everybody he met with his ready smile."

Bus firm Arriva said the incident at 0730 GMT involved a Fastrack bus travelling to Dartford.

Matthew, who was a Year 7 pupil at Wilmington Grammar School, was described as a keen musician and footballer.

My brother was an absolute legend, loved by all his friends and mine too. He is totally irreplaceable Duncan Hobbs

In a statement, Mr and Mrs Hobbs said: "He was a loving son and brother and a bright star who had far to go.

"Matthew was a member of Wilmington Grammar School for Boys' Blazing Brass Show Band and a keen member of Fleetdown United under 12s football team, where he always played with a good heart and had just been appointed the team's goalkeeper.

"Matthew was motivated and would do his absolute best at all times."

Mr and Mrs Hobbs also said the family "truly appreciated" people's thoughts and prayers."

Duncan Hobbs said: "My brother was an absolute legend, loved by all his friends and mine too. He is totally irreplaceable."

Flowers and Matthew's football shirt from last season have been placed in tribute at the scene of the accident.

Matthew Hobbs was a Year 7 pupil at Wilmington Grammar School

Staff and pupils at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys were said to be "devastated by the tragic accident".

On Wednesday bus firm, Arriva, said that it was cooperating fully with the authorities in the investigation of the incident and its thoughts and sympathies were with the boy's relatives.

The female driver of the bus was treated in hospital after the incident.