The Huxlow School pupil had spent the day at Warwick Castle and had gone out on his bike that evening to enjoy the hot weather, when he was struck by a passing car and died.

Bouquets of flowers and a teddy bear holding a heart have been placed where the accident happened.

A lay-by near the scene was full with cars last night as people parked to leave their tributes to the youngster, who was a big fan of Arsenal.

Messages attached to the flowers read 'Connor we won't forget you' and 'Goodbye little 'Gooner.' Sleep well.'

Connor loved football and played for Volta Junior U12 team.

Team manager Robert Marshall said the youngster had been playing football since he was six or seven and was recently voted player's player of the year and top goal-scorer.

He said: "I'm deeply shocked, he was a cracking lad. He was very popular and it's going to be terrible breaking the news to the lads. My son plays for the team and he's going to be gutted.

"One of the training staff has already asked if we can hold some sort of tournament match in honour of Connor.

"His father turned up for every match and the lad was there at every training session and every game. He was very dedicated. It's just a horrible feeling that a 12-year-old boy's been killed."

Suky Bassi, shop assistant at Costcutters, in Irthlingborough Road, Finedon, said: "He used to come into the store and he was just a good, polite, well-mannered lad.

"It is such a shame that this has happened and we want to wish the family well and hope they can get over this tragedy.

"Our customers have been coming in all day asking about it. They are all so shocked and upset."

A family friend who did not want to be named said: "I can't believe this has happened. Connor was a lovely lad and did his parents proud."
The youngster's death has shocked the whole community.

Anne Shields, 44, who works at Finedon Garden Centre, said: "My 12-year-old daughter goes to school with him and she read what had happened on Facebook. It is awful, such a shock."

Nadia Tero, 34, of Finedon, said: "It is very sad and I just hope the family will be alright."