TRIBUTES have been paid to a "funny" and popular teenager who died after being hit by a taxi in Fishponds.

Junaid Nazir, 16, was taken to Frenchay Hospital after the collision opposite his home in Fishponds Road yesterday morning but did not survive his injuries.

The crash happened just before 8am and police closed the road between Royate Hill and Lodge Causeway for almost four hours as they launched an investigation.

The 47-year-old driver of the Nissan taxi was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but was later released on police bail while officers carried out more detailed inquiries.

By last night, more than 30 bunches of flowers had been left on the pavement near the spot where the teenager was knocked down, with touching messages and tributes.

"Taken too young, never forgotten," read one note.

Anther read: "I love you so much bro, gonna miss you" and a friend had written on another card: "RIP my lovely. You will be truly missed, forever in our hearts."

Junaid was a talented boxer for Filton Academy and trained at the Empire boxing club in St Paul's.

He was studying for a business NVQ at the college and also played centre midfield for the Axa football team.

Friends of Junaid have already set up two Facebook pages to remember him and by last night they had received more than 2,500 visits between them.

The Evening Post understands that before he went to Filton College, Junaid attended Downend and Mangotsfield secondary schools.

Friends and family went to Junaid's home last night to offer their condolences to his parents, who were too upset to talk publicly about their loss last night.

Outside, a dozen friends had gathered to pay their respects.

Junaid's cousin, M Qureshi, also 16, had been with him when the accident happened. The pair were going to get a lift to college.

Still in shock, he said: "I can't really remember what happened. I just remember looking over and he was lying in the road.

"Junaid was really funny and loud. His favourite word was 'brainz' and he liked wearing Ralphies – Ralph Lauren clothes.

"When he grew up he wanted to be a boxing world champion."

Close friend Ryan Kilbane, 16, added: "He was always excited about something."

Lyham Douglas, 16, said: "Junaid was the loudest, funniest, most lively dude. I'm going to miss him, I love him."

Junaid's friends said he was good-looking and popular with the girls, describing him as "gyalist", urban slang for a charmer.

Haroon Shahid, 16, added: "He was a really kind guy and was always there for me."

Great Western Ambulance Service spokesman John Oliver said the teenager suffered head injuries when he was struck by the car.

A rapid response paramedic and a critical care paramedic from the Great Western Air Ambulance treated him at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision was not injured.

Traffic was diverted off Fishponds Road and down nearby side streets, which became jammed with rush- hour traffic.

After traffic came to a halt on roads made narrow by parked cars, police officers were sent to direct drivers.

Witnesses to the crash should call Avon and Somerset police's collision investigation unit on 0845 456 7000.