Hundreds of mourners place roses on funeral hearse carrying tragic tot, 3, who died in crash when OAP mounted pavement

HUNDREDS of mourners today placed red roses on the funeral hearse carrying a 'happy chatterbox' toddler who was crushed by a car.

Well-wishers lined the streets and placed the flowers on the car carrying Xander Irvine as it passed the spot where the three-year-old was killed when an OAP driver mounted the pavement.

The little boy had been out for a walk with his mum Victoria, 37, when a red Kia ploughed into them.

Xander was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries.

His mother was also hurt but has since been released from hospital.

The driver, a 91-year-old woman, was unharmed, and members of the public rushed to help at the scene of the crash on Morningside Road, Edinburgh on June 30.

Xander's grieving family had asked for as many people as possible to line the streets, after thanking the local community for their ''outpouring of love and support during their devastating loss''.

And hundreds of people turned out in force to pay their respects as the funeral procession drove by.

Local florist Quate & Co handed out 400 roses to those who had gathered so they could be placed on the hearse as it passed.

An array of teddy bears and more flowers had been carefully placed at the spot where tragic Xander was fatally hurt. They were set to be moved to the toddler's graveside following the private family funeral.

And the little boy's name was spelled out in white and blue flowers, placed alongside the tiny white coffin carrying his body.

A spokesperson for the family previously said: "Xander was a very happy, bubbly, intelligent little boy who was very dearly loved by his parents Victoria and Paul.

"Xander was a real chatterbox who just loved books, playing with all sorts of vehicles and his Lego.

"He really enjoyed life and he enriched the lives of everyone he met.

"Victoria and Paul are devastated and feel as if their hearts have been ripped out.

"Xander will be so very sorely missed by them both and all his family and friends in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"His parents would like to thank the paramedics, police, the fire and rescue service and members of the public for their help at the scene of the accident.

"Also, thank you to all the hospital staff and the police liaison for their help and to the public for their support to both Victoria and Paul and their families.

"What will we do without you, Xander?"

A fundraiser was launched to help the family, and more than £25,000 had been donated by Thursday.