TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘loving son’ killed in an horrific car crash in Farnworth.

The 17-year-old, named locally as Latham Schofield, died when the car he was travelling in smashed into a tree on Plodder Lane opposite the Costcutters shop.

Three other men were in the silver Renault Megane – including passenger Joshua Rawlinson who was taken to hospital with head injuries after the crash at 2.20am on Thursday.

Two other men aged 18 and 19 – one believed to be the driver – have been arrested for unspecified driving offences.

The Bolton News:

Latham Schofield

Former Bolton College student Mr Schofield, of Leverhulme Avenue, Great Lever, was pronounced dead at the scene after being cut from the car by firefighters.

Mr Schofield’s devastated family laid flowers at the scene and left heart wrenching messages to their loved one.

The tributes read: “Lost a lovely son. Love you Latham. Sleep tight. RIP. From your loving mum.”

“Love you brother. We will Turn to nPage 2 never forget you. Lots of love, Jason, Lee, Patrick and Grace.”

“A bright loving star has been taken from us all too soon. We will miss you more than words can say. Night, night Latham.”

The Bolton News:

FLOWERS: Tributes at the scene of the crash

Online tributes have also poured in for the popular student who has been described as a ‘friendly giant’ amongst friends and family.

Mr Schofield’s cousin Corinna Rawlinson said: “We all loved Latham so much. He was such a down to earth young man who would never hurt a fly, he had such a kind loving heart and always made people laugh.

“Nobody ever had anything bad to say about him. He had so much love from us all and has sadly been taken away too young. He will always be remembered as the friendly giant.”

The Bolton News:

PLEA: An appeal for information at the scene of the crash

Staff and pupils at Mr Schofield’s former school, Lever Park in Horwich, have been left devastated by the news of his death.

Deputy Headteacher, Danielle France, said: “We were devastated to hear the sad news. Latham was a very popular pupil at school and was very well-liked by staff and friends. Our thoughts are with the family."

Mr Schofield’s friends also took to Facebook to pay tribute to him.

Pal Genna June Halliwell wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken. Rest in peace to an amazing caring lad & an amazing uncle, cared and loved my kids so much and they both adored him. RIP Latham Schofield thinking of all the family sending mine and kids love to you all.”

His cousin Susan Shepherd posted: RIP little cousin, it’s not sunk in yet that you’ve gone.”

Sabrina Ann Fallows‎ wrote: Rest in paradise Latham, been cruelly taken way too soon. Reunited with your dad now. God has gained another angel.

Childhood friend Anthony Norris, who lived in the next street to Mr Schofield, said: “R.I.P Latham, the brightest star in the sky. Gonna miss you lad, took way too soon! Your life will go on you big friendly giant! Gone but never forgotten.”

Chloe Louise‎ said: “Only known you as a kid when we all used to hang around in Great Lever park.

“Was a big shock when I find out what happened. You will be missed by lots of people!! RIP angel.

Friend Jodie Legg posted‎ : “No way. It’s still not sunk in. R.I.P Latham. First time I’ve called you by your first name instead of Larry. It’s such a shock thoughts are with your family, gone to soon!”

PC Peter Cunningham, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family of the boy who sadly died in the collision in Bolton this morning. We have currently got specially trained officers providing them with support.

“We are appealing for witnesses to the collision and for any person who saw a silver Renault Megane being driven in that area after 4pm yesterday to please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101.