Family members have paid tribute to a “wonderful and beautiful” four-year-old boy who was killed after being hit by a van as he played football outside his home.

Edwin Kofi Adu was struck by a silver Volkswagen van on Montrose Avenue at the junction with Burnt Oak Broadway on Wednesday, April 19, at 7.15pm.

He was taken to hospital by Air Ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Witnesses told the Evening Standard he had been playing in a grassy area behind the Montrose Court housing block moments before the incident took place.

His family said they were “devastated and in mourning”.

His uncle Nana Wiafi said: “He was a wonderful beautiful boy, always smiling.

“We think he was out playing alone, he didn’t usually go there, we are all devastated.”

An aunt also said: “He was a wonderful boy. His mother is devastated, we are all in mourning.”

His parents are believed to have moved to London from Ghana around 12 years ago and also have another boy and a girl.

A family friend said: “He was a very brave, intelligent boy. He was charming and would make anyone laugh, it was a pleasure to watch him grow up.

“His family is completely heartbroken.”

The roads nearby were sealed off overnight as an inquiry by the Met Police’s serious collision investigation unit got under way.

The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene but has not been arrested.

Witnesses are being asked to call police on 0208 991 9555 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.