The grieving family of a nine-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car have spoken about their “perfect” last day together.

Henry Nugent, of Newick Road, Moulsecoomb, Brighton was hit seconds after stepping off a bus outside Portslade Community College.

The Coldean Primary School pupil had been on his way to meet cousins Kiall Quick, 12, Cameron Quick, ten, and Deon Ryan, ten, for a day of sports activities at the college when he was struck on Thursday.

A day earlier he had spent the day laughing and joking with his family at Hove Lagoon beach as they enjoyed the summer holidays together.

Aunt Vicky Quick, of Drove Crescent, Brighton, said: “We had a perfect day at the seaside.

“We’re a big family and we all met up.

“Henry and his cousins were in the sea all day. We couldn’t get them out.

“They were all so close. They were more like brothers and sisters, really.

“I can’t believe that was our last day together. It’s like it was meant to be.”

The family also took their last photograph of Henry and his cousins together on the beach.

On Thursday Henry was with his mother Louise Quick, 35, and his five-year-old brother George when the accident happened at 10.30am in Chalky Road, Portslade.

After getting off the bus the excited youngster thought he saw his cousins at the college and was going to cross the road.

Vicky said: “Henry loved his cousins and when he got off the bus he told his mum he could see them.

“She is always careful on the road and told him to wait so he stopped. But he just popped his head out from behind the bus to look and the car hit him.”

Henry suffered head injuries and was flown to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel but died in the early hours of Saturday at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

Louise and her partner Danny Nugent, Henry’s father, were at his bedside. Heartbroken Louise said: “Henry gave me the best nine years of my life and I don’t know what I am going to do without him.

“His five-year-old brother George, who is disabled and who Henry helped so much, misses him deeply but knows he is with the angels now.

“Henry was very popular. His friends have been leaving heartfelt tributes and donating their football shirts.

“Football was his life. He was a Liverpool fan through and through and a player for Coldean Colts Youth FC. There will be no other number 8 player to replace him. “

He also loved wrestling and playing on his computer.

“The school holidays have been filled with fun, with water fights in the back garden and trips out with the family.

“He was due to go to Disneyland in Paris on August 14, something he was so looking forward to.

“It is now so quiet without him. He tackled everything with passion and energy. I have so many fond memories with me in my heart. It feels like a light has been turned out, a star has gone. “It hurts to think how many lives have been affected by Henry’s death.

“He was such a lively character. He will never be forgotten.”

The family said they do not blame the woman driver of the silver Saab which hit Henry and sent their sympathies to her.

Bing Quick, Henry’s grandfather, of Downland Court, Portslade, said: “We are such a close family and now a huge part of our lives has gone.”

Henry’s uncle, Justin Quick, also of Downland Court, added: “Louise is a fantastic mum and she doted on those little boys.

“She is heartbroken but has nothing but praise for the paramedics, police, neighbours, residents and everybody who has supported her.

“Henry was full of life. He loved Liverpool Football Club and idolised Steven Gerrard.”

Sussex Police appealed for witnesses to call 01273 404370.

Tributes pour in for Henry

Henry Nugent's friends and family gathered outside Coldean Primary School to leave tributes, flowers and football T-shirts for the popular schoolboy.

Many at the school gates were in tears as they laid items, including Liverpool Football Club scarves and boots, in his memory.

Josh McLellan, ten, of Chailey Road, Brighton, has known Henry since they started at the school. He said: “He was a good friend and I’ll miss playing football with him a lot.”

Josh’s mother, Tracey, said: “It was such a shock to hear the news. He is going to be missed dearly.”

Other messages at the school included one from Josh Perrin, which said: “You were one of my best friends at school and at Coldean Colts. I will miss you very much but will never forget you.”

Henry’s mother Louise also left a message at the school. She wrote: “To my darling little Henry. I love and miss you so much, you were my world honey.

“Although it was only nine years it was the best nine years of my life.

“You brought me so much happiness and my memories of you are the best anyone could ever have.

“I love you so much baby, the world has lost a great little man.”

His cousin, Tanya Humphrey, 14, wrote: “It doesn’t feel real that we were all in the sea on Wednesday, throwing seaweed at each other, freezing cold and then we had that race in and out of the sea.

“Then my mum said to us all, ‘Come on you lot, all the cousins get in a picture.’ I’m so glad she took that picture, it shows what a perfect day we had.”

In a joint message, Henry’s cousins Deon Ryan, ten, Cameron Quick, ten, and Kiall Quick, 12, said: “You were and still are the best cousin ever.”

Another message said: “Henry RIP xxx You will be missed by us all. Paula, Graham, Shannon, Liam and Halle xxx.”

Henry was a keen member of Coldean Colts football club and had played in defence since the team was formed 18 months ago.

Phil Pilbeam, who set up the team with his wife Anne, said: “All the coaches and players are absolutely devastated. “He was such a popular boy. He was so loyal to us. He was always there every single Tuesday and Saturday without fail.”

Leave your tributes to Henry and messages of support for his family below.