THE family of a three-year-old boy who died after he was hit by a car near King’s Lynn Mart has today paid tribute to their “little man”.

Rio Bell died on Wednesday after he received severe head injuries in the accident, which happened in King’s Street at about 5.30pm. Hours later, rides at the Mart fell silent for five minutes in memory of the youngster.

On Saturday night, protestors linked arms in a blockade around the site, calling for roads around the fair to be closed to traffic.

More than 3,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the street to be closed while the Mart is in progress for the last two weeks of February on the nearby Tuesday Market Place. Around 50 took part in the protest.

Today, as police renewed their appeal for witnesses to the collision, Rio’s family paid tribute to a son who was “full of life, full of smiles and laughter”.

They said the youngster had “loved playing Mario Kart and playing on his motorbike” and that he would be forever missed.

“He’s now a little angel in heaven,” they said.

Officers from Norfolk Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team have appealed for witnesses to the collision, which happened close to the junction with Ferry Street and involved a blue Audi A4.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or the manner of driving of the Audi prior to the collision should contact PC Ian Thexton at the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Wymondham on 101.

In particular, PC Thexton would like to hear from any witnesses who are believed to have been staying at the Globe Hotel on the evening of the incident (Weds 15 Feb).

Rio is pictured in a Spiderman costume given to him as a Christmas present. His father has now laid the costume at the memorial site in memory of his son.