First picture released of boy, 3, who tragically died in Morningside crash

Flowers have been laid where the toddler was hit during the horror crash.

The first photo of a three-year-old tot who died after being hit by a car has been released as his family pay tribute to the “bubbly intelligent little boy.”

Victoria Irvine, 37, and her toddler, Xander, were out walking in Morningside Road, Edinburgh, when a red Kia Picanto mounted the pavement and hit them before crashing into St Columba’s Hospice shop on Tuesday afternoon.

The two were rushed to hospital where the boy died and his mother was treated for her injuries. The driver, a 91-year-old woman, suffered no injuries in the tragic incident.

Xander Irvine, 3, who was tragically killed in a car crash in Morningside Road, Edinburgh

In a statement, Xander’s family said: “Xander Paul Thomas Irvine, 3-years old, was out for a walk in Morningside with his mother on Tuesday afternoon when a tragic accident occurred.

“Xander was a very happy, bubbly, intelligent little boy who was very dearly loved by his parents Victoria and Paul.

“Xander was a real chatterbox who just loved books, playing with all sorts of vehicles and his Lego.

“He really enjoyed life and he enriched the lives of everyone he met.

“Victoria and Paul are devastated and feel as if their hearts have been ripped out. Xander will be so very sorely missed by them both and all his family and friends in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“His parents would like to thank the paramedics, police, the fire and rescue service and members of the public for their help at the scene of the accident. Also, thank you to all the hospital staff and the police liaison for their help and to the public for their support to both Victoria and Paul and their families.

“What will we do without you Xander?”

Family, local residents and an MP have since paid tribute to the young boy by laying flowers and teddy bears near to the place where he was tragically hit.

Witnesses to the crash said it was clear the vehicle mounted the pavement and hit the two pedestrians.

One local resident said: “People were comforting others. They were very upset. It was a horrible thing for anyone to have witnessed."

Inspector Roger Park of Edinburgh City Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Xander at this incredibly difficult time.

“Enquiries into the crash are ongoing, a full forensic collision investigation was carried out at the time and officers continue to look at CCTV and dash-cam footage as well as tracing and speaking to witnesses who have come forward.

“The 37-year-old pedestrian, Xander’s mother, also injured in the incident has now been discharged from hospital following treatment.

“I can also confirm that the driver of the Red Kia, a 91-year-old woman, was uninjured.

“I wish to express my sincere thanks to the members of the public who intervened and assisted in the immediate aftermath of this tragic incident and to the police and other Emergency Services who were on the scene.

“Finally, I would like to reiterate my request to respect the privacy of all those involved and allow them to, in some way, come to terms with what has happened.”