Family pays tribute to little boy who died 'doing his favourite thing in the world'

A FIVE year old boy killed when he was hit by a lorry while cycling just yards from his house died "doing his favourite thing in the world", his parents said last night.

• Neighbours lay a tribute to Archie Dunbar who died after being hit by a lorry while he was riding his bike in Gullane on Tuesday. The mementos left included toys and sweets Pictures: Deadline

Jonathan and Michaela Dunbar, from Muirfield Drive in Gullane, East Lothian, said this had been his first summer of being allowed to ride his bike fully.

And they paid an emotional tribute to their caring, helpful child. In a statement released through Lothian & Borders Police, they said: "Archie was a free little spirit with a mischievous nature, with big brown eyes and a smile that would light up when he saw you.

"He was meant to start Primary Two tomorrow, and was really looking forward to it."

They also spoke of Archie's caring nature and love of trains, a theme mirrored in the large number of tributes left at the scene of the accident yesterday.

They added: "He loved reading and playing on his computer, and he loved riding his bike.

This was the first summer where he was able to have full use of his bike, and he was taken from us doing his favourite thing." They added: "His brother Fionnlagh and sister Skye are missing him terribly, and they keep talking about all the flowers that people have left outside the house."

Dozens of tributes were laid yesterday in memory of Archie who died instantly when he was hit by the lorry at about 2pm on Tuesday. He was thought to have been playing with his friend Jack on Muirfield Drive in Gullane at the time.

About 20 bouquets and vases of flowers lay on the grass verge next to the stretch of road where the child lost his life.

A small bunch of white tulips had a note written in childish writing attached. It simply read: "Archie, love Jack."

Members of the community who were gathered around the tributes said the token was from the boy who was with Archie when he was knocked down.

In among the floral tributes lay six teddies, sweets, and toys. One child had coloured in a Thomas the Tank Engine drawing and written: "Archie you were fun to play with. Lots of love, Arren."

And a Thomas the Tank Engine badge lay among the flowers with a note attached reading: "RIP little guy. Ryan and family."

A CBeebies magazine lay next to a Marvel comic and a picture of footballer Frank Lampard in his Chelsea kit.

A Wispa chocolate bar and some popping sweets also lay in among the tributes.

Neighbour Pam Gardner, 43, said: "I just think it's really tragic. We're all gutted - everyone is feeling it.

"You just wouldn't think something like that would happen here - it's such a quiet street. There are so many tributes already, but I definitely think it will get bigger. It's such a tragic waste of life."

Ms Gardner was joined by friends Christopher Fozard, 17, Kieran Robson, 16 and Ben Longdon, 17, who had come to pay their respects to Archie. Kieran said: "We had just come back from Edinburgh and we saw the wreckage a few hours after it happened.

"When we found out what it was that had happened, we were very sad.

"It's awful for the family, but also for everyone who was involved. The lorry driver must feel terrible - as far as I know it wasn't their fault."

Last night police were still at the family home helping the Dunbars to come to terms with their loss.

The family's statement concluded: "Everyone who lives here knew Archie, because he was the kind of person who would say hello to everybody.

"We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has left flowers outside, we really do appreciate it, and we know that he will be missed be everyone who knew him.".