THE family of a four-year-old boy killed in a horrific car crash have paid tribute to their "little ray of sunshine".

John Pacey died when he was flung from his mother's car as it crashed into another vehicle in Hillview, Woolwich.

Now his loved ones have spoken of their shock at the loss of a "bright" and "smiley" boy who lived life to the full.

Residents who live near the crash scene also say it was "an accident waiting to happen" and have criticised the council for failing to make the road safer.

The crash happened just yards from the family's home, in Wood Hill, at around 11am on Sunday.

Mother-of-seven Rose Pacey was about to turn into the road in her silver Vauxhall Safira when it collided with another car.

Both cars then mounted the pavement and John who was not wearing a seatbelt was flung into the road.

Pedestrian Samantha Moore, 12, who was walking her dog, also died after being hit by one of the cars.

John's relatives gathered at the family home the following day, trying to take in the shock news of his death.

Grandmother Patricia Richardson said: "We cannot believe he has gone. He was so well loved. He was a little ray of sunshine and lived life to the full. We are just in total and utter shock."

Family friend Ann Matty said: "I'm absolutely devastated. He was only four years old, only a little baby. He was always smiling and was just a really nice kid."

John, who attended Mulberry Grove Infant School, was in the car along with two of his sisters Louise, 19, and Maria, 11, and one-year-old brother Matthew.

Maria says moments before the smash, she was pleading with her brother to put his seatbelt on.

She and Matthew escaped with minor injuries while their mother suffered a broken arm.

Close friends, family members and residents have adorned the roadside with floral tributes to the children.

Residents have also slammed Greenwich Council for not taking action against speeding drivers in Hillview.

Michael Thomas, who has lived in the area for 30 years, was among the first on the scene after the smash.

He said: "We sent a petition to the council four years ago but it hasn't done anything. This was an accident waiting to happen.

"If it had put a speed camera on this road those children would still be alive today."

Mr Thomas says residents will now compile a fresh petition, urging the council to improve safety.

A council spokesman says it has recently introduced anti-skid surfacing on the road and put up signs urging drivers to slow down.

He added: "We will be helping the police with their investigations and will take on board any recommendations they make as a top priority."

Call the Catford collision investigation unit on 020 8285 1574 with information.