TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager who died after being struck by a taxi just days before his 16th birthday.

It is believed that James Morrison had left a party in Crossgates on Saturday night before walking along the B925.

The 15-year-old – who would have turned 16 tomorrow (Wednesday) – was then hit by a Renault Trafic van at around 11.45pm.

Emergency services raced to the scene but were unable to save the youngster.

Tragically, friends and family shared a missing person plea on Facebook after they failed to hear from him, as police launched an appeal to identify the victim of the road accident after no identification was found on him.

Confirmation that the victim was James came when his older sister, Tammi, posted on social media shortly before 6pm on Sunday that she had lost her “best pal”.

In a statement issued through Police Scotland, James Morrison's family said: “James was a caring, fun-loving son, grandson and brother who would do anything for anybody.

"He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

The family wish to express their thanks for the messages they have received and they wish to be left to come to terms with their loss.”

His sister, Tammi, added: “James was a wee raj and my wee best pal from birth. A bond that can’t be broken. I will love and miss him every day.”

The driver of the taxi and its passengers were left uninjured. The incident resulted in the road being closed for six hours.

Inspector Brenda Sinclair, from Fife's Road Policing Unit, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of James Morrison at this time and we are continuing with our investigation to establish exactly what has happened.

"I would urge any motorists or members of the public who were in the area of the B925 on Saturday evening and witnessed the collision to contact police immediately if they have not already done so."

Those with information can contact the Road Policing Unit in Fife via 101 and quote incident number 4806 of the 16th June.