A PREGNANT mother collapsed while watching helplessly as her five-year-old son was crushed to death under the wheels of a bus.

The boy, who was killed after a family day out at the Camelot Theme Park, has been named as Hishamulhaque Haque, of Bridgeman Street, Daubhill.

Today his heartbroken family described him as a "lovely child who was loved by everyone".

As reported here on Monday, the boy, known as Hisham to his family, was playing football in the car park on Sunday night when he was hit by the bus.

Police investigating the circumstances of the tragedy believe Hisham was struck a glancing blow by the front of the passing bus seconds before a rear wheel went over him, killing him instantly.

His devastated family said today they were unable to help Hisham, who tried to stagger to his feet after the first impact.

The youngster was dragged several yards as his father, Ziaul Haque, and other relatives frantically tried to alert the driver.

Hisham, a reception pupil at Sunning Hill Primary School, Daubhill, died from severe head injuries.

Hisham's mother, Kulthum, collapsed at the scene. Mrs Haque, who is four months pregnant with her sixth child, was taken to hospital in Chorley and detained overnight before being allowed home.

A family spokesman said Hisham had enjoyed a day at the theme park with his parents, two older brothers and two older sisters, and other members of the extended family.

Before making their way home, the children decided to have a game of football in Camelot's car park which, at 6pm, was almost empty.

Hisham was watching the older children and occasionally kicking the ball when the bus, a regular Stagecoach service which runs between Preston and Wigan, hit him.

Today, his mother and father, a teacher in Islamic studies at the Darul Uloom College in Holcombe, Bury, and a governor at Sunning Hill School, were being comforted at home and were too upset to talk.

But a spokesman for the family paid tribute to Hisham.

He said: "He was a very lovely child, loved by everyone. He was full of mischief with lots of energy. The whole community is in shock."

Paul Read, headteacher of Sunning Hill School, said: "Hishamulhaque was a very popular child, lively and enthusiastic and enjoyed coming to school.

"All the family are involved in school. His dad is a governor and his mother leads some assemblies.

"This is an horrific accident and a tragic loss of such a young life. He will be missed by everyone at Sunning Hill. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time."

Police are continuing their investigations into the accident and have arrested the bus driver. He was released on police bail.

Witnesses should contact police on 01257 246376.