The grieving parents of popular pupil Ali Nasralla said their son had lived his short life to the full.

Ali Nasralla died on Tuesday after he was hit the day before by a black cab while riding his bike home from Robin Hood Primary School.

Iranian Dr Murtadha Nasralla, an engineer, said his eight-year-old son was “loved by everyone who got to know him”.

His sentiments were echoed by Robin Hood Primary School headteacher Jeff Lloyd, who had the task of informing Ali’s teachers and classmates about the year 3 pupil’s death.

Mr Lloyd said: “The school community is deeply saddened to learn that Ali Nasralla passed away last night in St George’s Hospital.

“The thoughts of everyone connected with the school go out to Ali’s family and friends at this sad and distressing time.

“The children in the infants and junior classes have been notified and the school will work with parents and all appropriate agencies to support all members of the community through this difficult period.

“The school has advised all parents how they can access additional support for their child should it be required as a result of hearing this tragic news.”

Witnesses told how the schoolboy was crossing the road on his bike, with his sister and nanny, when he collided with a black cab.

Amin Adbulla works at Suroor Market, a mini supermarket, just opposite where the crash happened, in Robin Hood Way near the busy A3 junction.

He said: “The nanny was with the younger sister, the boy was on his bike. He comes out in front of the taxi and hits the side of the taxi.

“The taxi driver gets out, I call the ambulance and come out to see if he’s OK.

“I say ‘Ali open your eyes’. The taxi driver puts his coat over the boy. It’s a terrible accident. They are a very good family, it’s so sad.”

Ali was taken by air ambulance to St George’s hospital in Tooting in a critical condition. But he died on Tuesday night after suffering head injuries.

It is understood the family would like to bury Ali as quickly as possible in accordance with their religion, but are not able to until a postmortem examination has taken place.

Police said the driver of the cab had stopped at the scene. He was not arrested.

Paul Harper, a committee member of London’s black cabs group declined to comment.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the accident.

Witnesses should call the traffic garage on 020 8941 9011.