THE head teacher of a Bradford boy killed in a hit and run crash in Pakistan has paid tribute to the friendly eight-year-old who had "a wonderful sense of humour".

Sameer Iqbal was abroad after getting a last-minute flight to celebrate a family wedding when the tragedy happened.

Richard Edwards from Farnham Primary School, in Stratford Road, said: "Sameer was a very caring, friendly and cheerful boy who had a wonderful sense of humour.

"He was always kind and helpful and enjoyed everything about school. He was loved by his family and his many friends and he will be greatly missed."

Mr Edwards will break the news to other pupils at a special assembly when school returns from the Easter holidays.

He said the school would deal with the tragedy sensitively because Sameer's family was close-knit with other young family members in classes.

"We will support Sameer's family in any way we can and also provide sympathy and care for his family members and friends in school," he said.

"We will agree with Sameer's parents how best to commemorate Sameer in school on their return. For now, the school governors, staff, families and our entire community are in shock at this tragic news. We extend our sincere condolences to Sameer's family and friends."

Sameer's uncle, Mehboob Alam, had told the Telegraph & Argus how his nephew was struck by a speeding car last Friday.

He had been on his way back from a night-time shopping trip in Shadpour Sadar in the district of Khushab with another uncle when it happened. The uncle had stopped his vehicle to check on an overturned car ahead and Sameer followed him out of the car.

Despite another man in the car grabbing the child's hand to try and stop him, Sameer managed to get out and was hit from behind.

He was thrown about 80 yards into some bushes where his uncle found him - Sameer died in his arms.

Relatives rang Sameer's parents, Maryam and Zafer Iqbal, who live in Hartington Terrace, Lidget Green, and within hours they were on a flight - arriving only a few hours before he was buried.

Family in Bradford have also been holding three days of prayers at North Side Terrace Mosque in the city.

Mr Alam, said Sameer had been desperate to go to the wedding and it had only been decided the night before he flew that he could go with his grandmother and other family members if they managed to get tickets.