A FAMILY has been left devastated by the death in a car crash of 19-year-old student, Muhammad Mogra.

“Cheerful and conscientious” university undergraduate Muhammad died in the accident in Hindley on Wednesday afternoon.

The Edge Hill University student was driving a Peugeot 108 in Castle Hill Road, when the crash, involving a lorry, happened.

Muhammad, who lived in the High Street area of Bolton, was a student at Bolton Sixth Form College before continuing his studies at Edge Hill University. He had aspirations to work as a teacher.

A statement from his distraught family said: "Muhammad was a much loved son of the late Anwar Mogra and Juby Mogra.

"He leaves behind a huge hole in the hearts of his sisters, younger brother and the wider extended family.

"It’s only been six months since his father passed away and as well as continuing his studies at Edge Hill University, Muhammad also took up responsibilities of being the head of the household at such a young age.

"A very talented and bright future awaited Muhammad as a maths teacher, who wanted to bring maths into the lives of young children not just in his local community but to a wider world.

"He so desperately wanted to share his passion for maths, he had a heart of gold and amazing patience with youngsters; an inspiring role model for all who were fortunate to have some time with Muhammad in his short life.

"This is a sad loss to his family, friends and the wider community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

A spokesman for Bolton Sixth Form College said: "Muhammad joined Bolton Sixth Form College in 2013.

"He quickly proved himself to be a cheerful and conscientious student. He was well liked by both his peers and staff, demonstrating great maturity, confidence and intelligence.

"With an exemplary college record, Muhammad achieved an excellent place at Edge Hill University with a bright future ahead.

"He is fondly remembered by all at the college and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

A spokesperson for Edge Hill University said: "We are deeply saddened by this news and have passed on our condolences to Muhammad’s family.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Muhammad was a lovely young man and a credit to the university and he will be missed. We are offering extra support to anyone who knew him."

Muhammad supported his studies through working at Room Four Dessert.

He was chosen to accompany the owners to a Bolton and Bury Business Awards ceremony, as a reward for his hard work.

Co-owner of the business Asif Timol said: "He had been working as a casual, because of his studies, for us for three years.

"He was a lovely person, and this is such as shock. His father just passed away six months ago.

"The family is a nice quiet family."

He added: "We decided to take staff who are loyal and had been with us from day one to the Business Awards as a reward."

Paying tribute on Twitter, one said: “My neighbour who lost his father few months back to cancer has passed away in a car accident.

“It feels like it was just yesterday I was consoling him on the demise of his father.

“He used to look at me like an older brother. Always asking for advice. He was an amazing guy, always asking about my health.”

Another posted a tribute on The Bolton News website stating: "Poor lad. His dad died six months ago with bowel cancer. He was in his mid forties. May god give the family strength. This lad is from my neck of the woods. The whole area is in mourning. Was from a popular family."

Police, firefighters and paramedics were called around 12.30pm on Wednesday to the crash and emergency services remained on the scene for most of the day as an investigation into the cause of the accident got under way.

Police are now appealing for information as part of their investigation.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 or charity Crimestoppers on 0800555 111