The son of football legend Stuart Pearce has been tragically killed in a tractor crash.

The former England international is grieving after his son Harley Pearce lost control of the farm vehicle on a country road some 50 miles from his family home in Wiltshire.

The tractor he was driving suffered a possible tyre blow-out which caused him to veer off the road.

Harley, 21, died at the scene in Witcombe, last Thursday, Gloucestershire Police confirmed.

The force said his parents have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A Pearce family tribute said: ‘Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley. A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him.

‘He was a golden boy with an infectious smile, and this shocking tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

‘With a quiet, understated strength and deep kindness, we are so proud of the young man he had become, exhibiting a wonderful work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the farming industry. He will always be our shining star.

‘Rest in Peace, our beautiful son and brother. You will never ever be forgotten.’

Harley was the youngest of two children Stuart had with his ex-wife, Liz.

The former couple also have an older daughter, Chelsea, from their 20-year marriage that ended in 2013.

Chelsea is an equestrian rider who has competed at three European Championships for Great Britain.

In 1999 Stuart was awarded an MBE by the late Queen for his playing career and charity work and in more recent years had worked as a pundit and co-commentator for talkSPORT.

Emergency services were called at around 2.30pm on Thursday to a report of a collision involving a tractor on the A417 Old Birdlip Hill in Witcombe.

Investigating officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or who has any relevant dashcam footage to get in touch.

A source told the Daily Mail: ‘From what we’ve been told is Harley’s tractor had a blow out and he lost control.’

Harley ran his own company, Harley Pearce Agricultural Service, working on farms on the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border. He lived near Marlborough in Wiltshire.