'We will never get over losing MJ': Parents tell of heartbreak at death of their 'happy chap'

Matthew Junior Rowland George Maybin, known as MJ, died on Saturday afternoon after being knocked down at The Scotlands.

Today his distraught parents paid tribute to their son who they said everyone 'fell in love with'.

The tragedy unfolded just before 3.50pm on Keats Road.

His mother, Vicky Maybin, said the horror that would change their lives happened in a 'split second'.

"I don't know how he got out of the house. He has gone for the door and all I have heard is a big thud and he is in the middle of the road."

MJ's father, Matthew Brough said: "He must have run round the back of the van.

"He wasn't a three-year-old kid that plays in the street, he isn't allowed in the street and whenever he has played in the street I was always there with him."

His parents rushed to his aid and nearby neighbours rushed to help, including Debbie Woodley who performed CPR, but sadly nothing could be done to save the youngster.

Today the pair paid tribute to their son, as the family struggled to come to terms with the loss.

Matthew, aged 28, described MJ, who was incredibly close to his two sisters Brodie, nine, and Lola-May, six, as 'full of life' and said he was looking forward to starting nursery in September.

"He would light up everybody's life when he met them," he said.

"Anybody that met him fell in love with him, that's why he has got so many tributes because everybody did love him, he was a happy chap.

"He was a proper mummy's boy. He loved to kick a football and loved to play with his sisters.

"He was never outside on his own. There's always an adult when the older kids are playing in the street, there's always someone supervising the street.

"This is a community street. Everybody knows each other and looks after each other. There's never anyone playing out there on their own."

As well as his favourite Paw Patrol, the youngster, who had just finished Terrific Twos at Low Hill Nursery and was set to start at Bushbury Hill Nursery next month, loved his flashing frog wellies, and was affectionately called the 'welly boy' by his family. His favourite cuddly toy was a wolf called Bill.

The tragedy has had even deeper impact on the family as it was a relative driving the Transit Tipper van involved.

"We are not going to let this rip the family apart, we are going to grow stronger, we will come together as one."

Vicky added: "Everybody is distraught, everybody is devastated, it was just a complete accident."

His parents have described the tragedy, on the narrow street which it is only possible for one car to pass at a time, as an 'accident waiting to happen' and will be demanding action to improve conditions on the street.

Matthew added: "I wouldn't want to wish this on my worst enemy.

"If I could swap places with him I would.

"It's unimaginable what life is going to be like without him, but as long as we've got our family by our side we will all pull together. We will never get over him."

Dozens of floral tributes, teddy bears and balloons have been left at the scene by well-wishers on Keats Road.

One tribute from the youngster's grandmother read: "It's hard to write these words. My world is broken, going to miss you so so much. You will never be out of my heart or mind."

And Vicky praised the community for their support. She said: "It's a very tight community. We've had a lot of tributes and well-wishers and people are lost for words. There's been a lot of family support."

Specialist officers from the West Midlands Police family liaison unit are also supporting the family.