AN 11-year-old boy died following a collision with a road sweeper in Purton yesterday.

Around 7.18pm, the cyclist, named locally as Daniel Climance, was being accompanied by his dad and older brother when cycling along Station Road, near Bamford Close, in the direction of Cricklade, when he collided with a DAF road sweeper, which was travelling in the direction of Hook.

The 56-year-old driver of the road sweeper, from the Swindon area, was not injured as a result of the collision.

Daniel, from Purton,  died at the scene.

He was due to start school at Bradon Forest in September.

The school said in a statement: "The community of Bradon Forest School are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a student who was due to join us this September.

"The school are providing support and counselling to those students who have requested it. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Acting Inspector Ben Huggins, of Wiltshire Police, said: "I can confirm that an 11-year-old boy has tragically died following a collision with a vehicle in Purton.

"The victim was cycling along Station Road near Bamford Close in the direction of Cricklade accompanied by his father and his older brother, when he collided with a road sweeper, which was travelling in the direction of Hook.

"Several members of the community rushed to the boy's aid, along with emergency services but sadly, the young boy died at the scene.

"The boy is a local lad and was due to join the local secondary school in September. To lose a child at such a young age is heartbreaking. This tragic incident has really shocked the local, close knit community of Purton, who I am sure will rally around the family in the coming days, weeks and months to ensure they have the support they need at such a difficult time.

"I would like to point out that nobody has been arrested in relation to this incident. An investigation will now be conducted through the serious collision investigation team who attended the scene.

"I would ask that any witnesses who have not made contact already with the police - to please do so. Any information, no matter how small, may assist with the ongoing investigation.

"Road safety remains a key priority for the local neighbourhood policing team in this area. I would like to reassure residents that my team will continue to work with our partner agencies and ensure that our roads remain as safe as possible.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young cyclist at this very sad time and we will do everything we can to support them."

Swindon Advertiser: Collision Investigator Scott Hill said: "This was a very tragic incident in which a young boy sadly lost his life. I would like to appeal to any witnesses, who have not already made contact with police, to contact us immediately. Any information may assist us in our investigation."

The road was closed for approximately six-and-a-half hours while officers carried out a full investigation at the scene. It reopened at approximately 1.46am.

Anyone with information should call PC Lee Prince on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if