HEARTBROKEN relatives of a 15-year-old boy killed in a horror car crash in Bradford have paid tribute to a "happy and smiling kid".

Saliq Amjad Malik, of Eccleshill, was a passenger in a Volkswagen Golf that ploughed into a wall, parked car and a lamp-post on Gilpin Street, Barkerend.

The teenager suffered serious head injuries in the crash, which happened just after 11am on Friday, and died at Leeds General Infirmary at about 5pm the same day.

Saliq's uncle and two of his cousins told the Telegraph & Argus that the youngster's death had devastated his family. They visited the scene of the crash yesterday, alongside many other mourners who laid dozens of bouquets of flowers and left condolence cards.

Saliq's heartbroken uncle wept as he said Saliq was more like one of his friends than his nephew. He added: "I bought him a pool table last week and we had been playing on it."

Sahir Haroon, 24, and Billa Afzal, 24, both cousins of Saliq, said the teenager loved football and cricket, and had played for nearby BD3 United football club.

Mr Haroon said: "He was a good kid, always happy and smiling. And he loved football.

"We just think it is all a dream and that it isn't true."

Mr Afzal said: "It is a massive loss. We cannot believe it. He was a very gentle kid."

The pair said Saliq was a pupil at Hanson Academy in Bradford and that he was one of five brothers and sisters. His parents, said Mr Haroon and Mr Afzal, were "devastated".

"They could not believe it," they said. "They think it is not true.

"His dad is waiting for the time Saliq would come home and do some cooking. He would cook a lot, like fish and chips."

Mr Haroon said Saliq's dad wanted his son's death to act as a message to other youngsters.

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He said: "His message was 'I have lost my son - learn. These cars are not toys. You only got one chance to live - make the most of it."

The cousins said they didn't know who the other people in the car were, but added: "They were his mates, but we never met them. It was wrong time , wrong place."

A number of witnesses described a bang like a "bomb blast" when the collision happened near Gilpin Street's junction with Barkerend Road.

Police later arrested a 17 year-old boy, believed to be the driver of the red Golf GTI, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He remained in police custody last night.

Another 15-year-old boy, who was also a passenger in the car, remains in hospital after suffering serious injuries in the collision, although his condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

Police have made an appeal for the occupants of a purple or maroon Peugeot to come forward, as they believe these people may have seen the red Golf shortly before the collision.

Among floral tributes at the scene last night were cards with messages from family members.

One read: "To my little cousin, why have you left us and gone. We are all missing you so much. Love you little angel."

Condolences have also been paid on social media, with a Facebook group set up in Saliq's memory attracting more than 9,500 visitors.

One message read: "Rest in peace little tiger. Daddy, mummy, brothers, sisters and all the family will miss you."

Local councillors also expressed their sympathies, saying the incident had sparked concerns from residents about road safety in the area.

Councillor Imran Khan (Labour, Bowling and Barkerend), said: "It is such a tragic loss of life, this boy was only 15 and had his whole life ahead of him.

"I can't imagine what his parents must be feeling."

Councillor Hassan Khan, (Labour, Bowling and Barkerend), said: "My sympathies go to the family, it must be a horrible experience for the parents.

"This is a 15 year-old life lost from our community, which is really sad and the type of thing that shouldn't happen.

"I have been to see the tributes, the flowers and the letters, it's very emotional."

PC Andrew McManus, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: "A young boy has tragically lost his life as a result of this collision, so I am appealing to the occupants of this purple or maroon Peugeot car, or anyone else who might have witnessed the movements of the Golf, to contact the team on 101."

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