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The grieving parents of teenager, Matthew New, who was killed whilst crossing the A131 have paid tribute to their dedicated and likeable son.

Mathew New, 15 who attended Castle Manor Upper School in Haverhill died after a collision with a car on the A131 Broad Road, at High Garrett, near Braintree, Essex.

Mathews parents, John and Phillip in a statement released through Suffolk Police said their family would miss their son deeply.

Mathews parents who also have a 13-year-old daughter, Hannah said: “Our son Mathew was such a likeable person who had a huge gathering of friends. Anyone he met took a liking to him straight away.”

“Mathew was always willing to help, which included young children.”

Mathews parents added that he was a keen student who worked hard. “At school, Mathew was dedicated to his studies and, being in Year 10, was working studiously towards his GCSE’s. He was what people called an A class student.

“He had the attitude that, if he had to do something, he would do it to the best of his ability, because Mathew was so enthusiastic.”

His parents also paid tribute to his sporting achievement, playing for the Essex County Rugby team and being selected for the football squad at Castle Manor.

Mathews parents added: “We would like to say how much we loved Mathew and how dearly we, and our daughter Hannah, are going to miss him.”

Angela Davies, Mathew’s form tutor at Castle Manor, paid tribute to him.

She said: “Mathew was an intensely likeable boy who approached life in the same way he did his sport, full of energy and enthusiasm with keen intelligence and wit. He was always interested, engaged and full of ideas for his own future.”

She added: “I think I can speak for all the staff and students at Castle Manor when I say we are devastated to receive this tragic news. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family at his time. We all miss him.”

Essex Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident which involved a black Toyota Land Cruiser heading towards Braintree at around 3:30 pm on Saturday afternoon to call PC Toms on 01376 330722.