Tributes to Peter Lincoln
4:31pm Tuesday 6th May 2008
THE HEARTBROKEN parents of a teenager killed after being hit by a car on a motorway have paid tribute to their "happy-go-lucky" son.
Peter Lincoln, 16, of Evelyn Street, Burnley, was struck by a blue and grey Rover close to junction 17 of the M60 in Greater Manchester on Sunday at 7.30pm.
He was taken to Fairfield General Hospital in Bury but later died of his injuries.
Police believe Blessed Trinity RC College student Peter, who is autistic, was trying to return home from Manchester when the tragic accident happened.
Detectives think Peter, who was due to take his GCSEs this summer, may have been confused and wandered on to the busy motorway.
They are now quizzing witnesses of the collision as they try to piece together what happened, although no charges are to be brought against the driver.
Peter's father, Peter Snr, said: "He was such a happy-go-lucky child, who has been through so much in his short life.
"He was football and computer-mad and a big Manchester United fan. He loved Ronaldo.
"He was looking forward to starting college in September after he finished his GCSEs at the end of this month."
Mum Angie added: "He was my soul mate and we are devastated at losing him.
"We are struggling to come to terms with this."
Many students at the 1,400-pupil Blessed Trinity RC College, Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, returned to school today in shock after learning of Peter's death.
Prayers were said in assemblies and teachers are to set up a book of condolence for the teenager.
Headteacher Bernadette Bleasdale said: "He was an extremely hard-working lad and he would do anything for anyone.
"He had a great sense of humour. He had lots of friends and he was willing to help and support anybody.
"Pupils here are in great sadness and great shock."
As well as being a huge football fan, Peter was also a keen snooker player.
He was a member of the Burnley Boys Club, Barden Lane, and he was runner-up in a snooker competition final there.
Club members are due to pay their own tribute to Peter with a minute's applause at the centre.
Meanwhile, prayers have been said by pupils at Peter's school and teachers were also due to set up a book of condolence.
Peter was reported missing by his family earlier on Sunday.
He was wearing a black hooded jumper, a red top, black jogging bottoms and black trainers at the time of his death.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1550.