THE devastated mother of a Colindale crash victim has paid tribute to her “baby boy” following his funeral on Saturday.

More than 2,000 people paid their respects to Zeeshan Tahir and mourners are still visiting the 18-year-old's family home in Springfield Mount, Kingsbury, today.

He died on his way home from Hendon School on Wednesday when the Volkswagen Golf he was traveling in and a Renault Megane collided head-on in Colindeep Lane at around 3pm.

Shabana Mohammed, 38, his mother, described how the family would tell Zeeshan, nicknamed King Shanni because his father treated him like royalty, not to travel in other people's cars out of fear for his safety.

She said he would usually take the bus or get a lift from his father but had agreed to travel in the car of a friend of his school mate Viknesh.

She said: “I'm distraught. He was my baby boy. He was loved by his grandparents on both sides and his uncles on both sides. He was loved so much.

“He never raised his voice, never said 'no' to anyone. He was so helpful. There were even people I don't know at the funeral, people are still coming.”

Zeeshan, who loved cars and wanted to be a motor engineer, was thrown a considerable distance out of the back windscreen of the car and the crash itself left twisted railings and a damaged tree.

Flowers, cards and teddy bears have been left on the railings by school friends and teachers, as well as officers and staff from Farrow House, part of the Met Police crime academy.

On Thursday Hendon School was closed early as a mark of respect and a candle was lit in the sixth form common room to “keep his spirit alive”.

Even former teachers from Colindale Primary School attended the funeral.

Shabana said: “I cannot believe it's happened. It's not sinking in at all. I've spoken to his friend Viknesh, he came to the funeral. He was in shock.

“I feel sorry for that child as well. They were very good friends and have known each other since secondary school.

“I want to thank all the children in his school, all his friends, all his teachers, all the newspapers and the police as well. Everyone who met us has been very supportive. They are all devastated.”

Sohbat Ali, 59, his grandfather, said: “He was a brilliant boy. He was always smiling. He would never talk loudly or anything.

“He was a very nice boy and was friendly with everyone. It's so sad.”

Zeeshan's funeral was at the Mosque and Islamic Centre of Brent, in Howard Road, Cricklewood.