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A police officer has appeared in court accused of causing death by dangerous driving after a teenage boy died when his e-bike was involved in a collision.

Ryley Hutson was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident in Bramcote, Nottingham, in September last year.

Last month Nottinghamshire Police announced Daniel Cartwright, an officer with the Bedfordshire constabulary, had been charged in connection with the 16-year-old's death. The force added that Cartwright was off-duty at the time.

The 31-year-old made a brief appearance before Nottingham Magistrates' Court this morning. Cartwright, wearing a black suit and black shirt, spoke only to confirm his age, name and address during the five-minute hearing.

No pleas were entered and Cartwright, of Kettering, Northants, was released on bail to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on September 3.

A large number of Ryley's family and friends - who wore matching T-shirts with smiley faces on them - sat in the public gallery for the hearing.

After Cartwright was charged, Detective Inspector Jamie Moore, of Notts Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a tragic incident which has had a devastating impact on Ryley's family.

"They have been updated about this important step in our investigation, and our thoughts remain with them."

Ryley Hutson, 16, died when his e-bike was involved in a collision last September

Tributes left at the scene in Chilwell Lane in Bramcote, Nottingham, following Ryley's death

An online fundraiser for donations towards Ryley's funeral and a memorial has raised over £4,000.

Ryley's aunt, who launched the page, described him on it as 'full of life, laughter, and love - a cheeky soul who left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him'.

She added: "No parent should ever have to go through the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Our family is now facing this devastating loss and the unexpected financial cost that comes with it.

"We are raising funds to help cover the costs of his funeral and a memorial to honour his life — a life that ended far too soon but will never be forgotten."