A teenage boy was standing outside Oldham Leisure Centre with his girlfriend when a car collided with him, an inquest has heard.

At Rochdale Coroners' Court yesterday (Thursday, June 6), an inquest opened into the death of Ethan Allen by coroner Julie Mitchell.

Ethan, 15, died last month following an incident near Oldham town centre after 8pm on Tuesday, May 21.

Following his death, Ethan's family paid tribute to him in a statement which read: "Ethan was a very energetic, funny, loving young boy who always made time for others.

"He was always smiling. He had a great love of the sport basketball and played for Oldham State Warriors and more recently Royton Mavericks.

"Ethan also recently became a basketball referee which he was proud to do. He attended as a pupil at the Oasis Academy Leesbrook where he was popular with friends and peers.

Ethan Allen was on his way home when he was hit by the carEthan Allen was on his way home when he was hit by the car (Image: Sharmaine Entwistle)

"He is truly missed by his parents, Gillian and Gordon, sister Abbie, grandmother Eunice, his stepfather and stepbrothers. We thank people for their continued support and condolences.

"Ethan's legacy will continue to shine through in life with the donation of his organs to save another life. We are truly proud of him as much in life as in death. May he rest in peace, and we ask to grieve in private."

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At the inquest opening, police coroners officer Kathy Dixon said that Ethan, who was born in Oldham and lived on Curlew Road, was "standing with his partner outside Oldham Leisure Centre" when a car "collided with him".

Ms Dixon said Ethan was treated at the scene and taken to Royal Oldham Hospital, before he was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Ethan was in a critical condition until he lost his life on Thursday, May 23.

Ethan was stood outside Oldham Leisure Centre at the time, the inquest heardEthan was stood outside Oldham Leisure Centre at the time, the inquest heard (Image: Spotted Oldham)

The court heard that a driver was arrested and the police investigation is continuing.

Ms Mitchell postponed the next inquest hearing to a later date, which is yet to be decided, while the police investigation is carried out.

She also offered her condolences to the family.

Following his death, a fundraiser was set up in Ethan's name by the mother of his girlfriend.

A tribute was paid to Ethan by Sharmaine Entwistle, who wrote: "Ethan was a beautiful child, selfless, who always helped others. Even in his passing he has donated his organs to ensure others can live.

"Ethan was full of life, a talented basketball player with many many friends who all want to ensure Ethan gets the send off he deserves.

"A life cut short, far too soon, We want to try to look after his family in this difficult time and help reduce the terrible burden that they now bare."

Greater Manchester Police were approached for an update on the investigation.