A TODDLER who died after being struck by a car was just yards from a relative's house when the collision occurred, it has emerged.

Muhammad Bilal Ahmed was hit by a black Renault Clio in Ellesmere Road in Morris Green at 5.25pm yesterday.

He suffered severe head injuries and, despite the efforts of the emergency services, he died in hospital a short time later.

Flowers and stuffed toys, including a cuddly elephant, have been left at the spot where the crash happened, between the junctions of Morris Green and Asher Street.

The death has been reported to the coroner and an inquest is expected to be opened in the coming days. 

They have been placed by shocked locals and strangers saddened at the news.

One tribute read: "RIP little man. Fly high with your angel wings.

"Sending love from our family to yours."

The three-year-old boy has not been formally named by Greater Manchester Police.

Neighbours told The Bolton News the boy was with his mother and sister and had been visiting relatives who live just doors away from the scene of the crash.

Resident Dipti Patel said: "I have only ever seen them once or twice.

"The mum was with the boy and I think she also had a girl with her.

"It may have been outside a relative's house."

The driver of the Renault stopped at the scene and spoke to police. He was not arrested.

Ms Patel said: "There were three or four people in the car.

"The guy had a little baby, perhaps a month or two old, with him.

"The man's family were there for ages because the police were taking photographs of the car."

Sergeant Mark Thomas of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This is a tragic turn of events that has resulted in a young boy losing his life. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.

"I’m urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information about the collision should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.