THE mother of a five-year-old who was killed after being hit by a van in the east end of Glasgow described him as her "wee prince."

Mum Leanne Toland spoke of her heartbreak after Lennon died when he was struck by a white van on Dalness Street, Tollcross, on Monday afternoon.

The 62-year-old driver of the van was not injured in the incident.

Surrounded by close family, Leanne yesterday laid tributes to the youngster, close to the scene of the tragedy.

His family said the youngster had been picking up stones with his dad on the way home from school when the accident happened.

Lennon, from Easterhill Place, Tollcross, was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital but passed away soon after.

Leanne, who is five-months pregnant, described her son Lennon as her “wee prince.”

The 26-year-old said: “I can’t believe it. The police gave me back his glasses this morning and they’ve still got his hairs on them. He was just walking home from school when it happened, he was left lying on the ground beside his glasses.”

Karen Pearson, Lennon’s gran who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, said: “He was our special wee boy. Yesterday would have been my mum’s birthday who has passed away as well.

At the scene on Dalness Street in the Shettleston area of Glasgow well-wishers have placed flowers, lit candles and tied cuddly toys to the railings.

Lennon had only just started in primary one at nearby St Paul's Primary School a matter of weeks ago.

Brian Toland, the youngster’s grandad, said: "The driver's come in while Lennon was picking up stones with his dad.

“He was our special wee boy.”

Family members left messages in tribute to Lennon, who had just started primary one at St Paul’s primary school.

Declan Toland, the youngster's uncle, said: “Love you wee guy, keep collecting those stones for me. Love you lots Uncle Deccy.”

Local residents from Tollcross and Shettleston visited the scene where the tragedy happened and left flowers, stuffed toys and cards.

One well-wisher named Kelly wrote: “RIP Lennon. I hope you’re jumping in the puddles in the sky.”

One other wrote: “Rest in peace wee Lennon. Fly high, you are the brightest star in the sky.”

The schoolboy's cousin Ross Clift created a crowdfunding page to raise money for the five-year-old’s funeral which has collected more than £5000 and has been inundated with messages of condolence.

Ross wrote: “Unfortunately my wee cousin Lennon lost his life today by getting knocked down by a van outside his school. At the young age of five he just started primary one a few weeks ago and obviously hasn’t got any insurance to cover funeral costs so I’m setting up this page to help raise money for Leanne, Andrew and my Auntie Karen to give the wee man the best send off possible, fly with the Angels Lennon. Rest in Peace wee man.”

After donating to the page Lee Boulton said that the local community was fully supportive of the family at this tragic time.

She said: "I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. It's every parent's worst nightmare, and a tragic accident. The local community is here to support you."

St Paul's Primary School cancelled their planned Roald Dahl day last night and asked pupils to come to school in their regular uniform.

Natalie McGarry MP for Glasgow East was among those who paid tribute to the young boy on social media.

She said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Lennon Toland’s family today after he was tragically killed yesterday afternoon.”

Geraldine Millar, head teacher at St Paul’s (Shettleston) Primary School said: “We are devastated at this very sad news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”

A Rangers supporting Facebook group put city rivalries with Celtic aside to pay tribute to football-mad Lennon.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed that enquiries are still continuing into the incident.

Sergeant Jackie Dunbar said following the incident: "It would appear that the boy, a pupil at St Paul's (Shettleston) Primary School on Anwoth Street, Glasgow, was struck by the van, which had come in to Dalness Street from Tollcross Road, as it turned into a car park on Dalness Street.

"It was picking up time at the school and there were a number of people in the area at the time of the incident.

"I would ask that anyone who saw what happened, and who has not already been spoken to by police, to contact officers."

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Anyone with information can contact police via 101 or alternatively through Crimestoppers where information can be given anonymously.