THE family of 10-year-old Samuel Crocker, who died last weekend following a road accident in the town, say their lives have been "turned upside down".

In a statement released a few days afterwards, the family said: "On Saturday afternoon our life was turned upside down when our darling Samuel was knocked down while on his way to visit his friend.

"Later that night the bright light that was Samuel was extinguished.

"We all miss our little 'mole' so much and can't begin to imagine how we move on from the devastating situation we are in now.

"Someone so small has left a massive hole that can never be filled, but he will always be remembered for his cheeky, fun-loving nature and we are grateful to have had him in our lives, albeit for such a short time."

Samuel William James Crocker was involved in a collision with a white Vauxhall Combo van shortly before 1.35pm on Saturday, February 28 at Threshers.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and Samuel received treatment from paramedics and ambulance crews before he was taken by a Devon Air Ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The air ambulance landed at Landscore Primary School, where Samuel was a pupil, and from where he was airlifted.

Police closed the road and immediately began a search for the vehicle suspected to have been involved.

The force helicopter and about 10 police cars were used in the search for the van.

The van was located by ground units and the driver was arrested.

Threshers remained closed until the evening while investigations were carried out by officers from Devon and Cornwall Police.

Officers said that Samuel died in hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained.

'A TRULY DECENT YOUNG BOY'

Gary Read, the head teacher at Landscore Primary School, in a letter to parents posted on the school's website last Sunday, said: "It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of the death of one of our pupils, Samuel Crocker.

"He died yesterday after being knocked down by a vehicle in Threshers.

"This news is so recent and so raw that we are all still trying to make sense of it, none more so than Samuel's immediate and extended family with whom our thoughts are right now.

"The impact of this awful news will be felt across the town and acutely in our school, particularly by Samuel's friends and those who have taught him."

Mr Read went on to say: "Samuel was a truly decent young boy, honest, attentive, generous, loyal and kind.

"To be taken from his family and friends in this way feels incomprehensible."

He also said that a book of condolence was being opened at the school and children would also be supported by staff at this difficult time.

HUNDREDS ATTEND VIGIL

Crediton Parish Church posted a call for prayers to be said on social media sites while Samuel was in hospital.

It followed this by saying, on Sunday: "We were devastated to learn that Samuel Crocker, who was so seriously injured yesterday has died.

"Our prayers are with his family and friends in their terrible loss and with all the staff and pupils at Landscore School where Samuel was in year six."

On Monday, Crediton Parish Church was open for an informal vigil, in memory of Samuel.

Hundreds of people, mainly young people, went along for quiet moments of reflection, to light a candle, place flowers or fill out a card with their memories or thoughts. Prayer sheets were also available.

It was an emotional time, particularly for Samuel's friends and his family, who also attended.

Former Crediton Scout Leader Wayne Reed said that Samuel had been a member of the First Crediton Scouts.

He said: "Let's pray for his family and support them through their grief. I can't imagine the hell they are going through.

"Make sure you give your children an extra hug tonight. RIP Samuel. You Did Your Best."

Crediton county councillor Nick Way said: "It is an absolute tragedy and my sympathy goes to the family and the boy's friends."

FLORAL TRIBUTES

Dozens of floral tributes have been left against a property at the scene of the accident in Threshers.

Many of the bouquets have messages of sympathy from Samuel's schoolfriends, friends and neighbours.

A teddy bear with a note at the accident scene reads: "RIP Samuel. Heaven has a new Scout now. Thank you for touching our lives. You will be greatly missed by us all."

Some of the others read: "Rest in Peace Samuel, Sleep Well."

"Small guy, massive loss. You will be missed, you will never be forgotten, you are loved by all of us."

"Samuel, such a terrible thing to happen to a lovely little man. Can't believe we will not see your smiley little face any more. Stu, Clare and family, we are so so sorry. Our thoughts are with you."

SAMUEL'S LOST WATCH

Through the Landscore Primary School website and a letter to parent's of pupils at the school, Mr Read issued a letter on Tuesday from Police Constable Sarah Harvey, the force family liaison officer.

It read: I am writing to ask for your assistance. As you will no doubt be aware there was a tragic incident which occurred near to your premises which resulted in the death of a local 10 year-old boy, Samuel Crocker.

"The family are obviously beside themselves but this has been exacerbated with the fact that Samuel's watch is missing and believed to have come off during the incident.

"We believe that this could be in the local vicinity but could have been thrown quite a distance away and therefore maybe within the perimeter of your premises.

"I am therefore asking if you could look in your gardens, guttering etc to see if you could locate the watch.

"It has been described as a man's 'Umbro' black watch with a black plastic strap.

"It has a watch face with a silver back ground and a digital display below this. The strap will be set to the smallest setting.

"It is very similar to the one shown.

"If you do find this watch please could you either call 101 quoting log 367 28/02/15 or drop it to any officer at Crediton Police Station supplying them with my details.

"Thank you in advance."

Mr Read added: "I would like to pass on my thanks for your thoughts and messages to the family and to us as a school in recent days.

"It has been heartening that we are such a strong community."

PCSO LISA CROCKER

In recent days there has been speculation locally that PCSO Lisa Crocker, a member of the Crediton Neighbourhood Team, is personally connected to this incident.

At her request, the police have confirmed that Lisa is Samuel's auntie, and that she was on duty at the time of the collision.

She attended the scene, unaware until she arrived, that her nephew was involved.

Chief Inspector Matt Lawler, said: "Clearly this is an absolute tragedy for the entire family.

"No-one in the Force knew the connection until Lisa arrived at the scene and recognised Samuel.

"There has been a great deal of support locally for Lisa and many local people have been asking if she was personally connected to the incident.

"In order to allow her to focus on supporting her family, Lisa has asked us to confirm her involvement and thereby end the speculation.

"Whilst she has been inundated with messages, Lisa would like everyone to focus on Samuel, not on her connection to the events of last Saturday."

PCSO Crocker is well-known locally having been a member of the Crediton neighbourhood team for many years.

The Force has assigned specially trained and experienced staff to support Samuel's family and PCSO Crocker, including Serious Collision Unit specialists, trauma assessors and Occupational Health Staff. Rather than contacting Lisa via social media or other forms, the Force has offered to receive any messages of support for PCSO Crocker via emails to: [email protected]">[email protected] .

Chief Inspector Lawler added: "Lisa has asked me to say that she and the family are being well supported both by the Force and their wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.

"All of Lisa's police colleagues in Crediton have been touched by this tragedy, and everyone is doing all they can in what is an incredibly sad situation."

CHARGED

Cameron Trivett (24), of Mill Street, Crediton, has been charged with driving a vehicle that failed to stop after a road traffic collision, and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

He appeared at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 2 and was bailed to appear at Exeter Crown Court on March 27.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen a white Vauxhall combo van being driven between Crediton and Morchard Road along the A377 at or around the time to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to please contact Police Sgt Steve Walker on the 101 number, quoting log 397.

• Did you know Samuel? If you would like to share your memories of Samuel with Crediton Courier readers, please write to the Courier or email a letter to: [email protected]">[email protected] .