England News England Business and General News

Five bailed over boy’s road death

Four men and a teenage boy have been freed on bail by police investigating the death of a 10-year-old boy who was knocked down and killed in York.

Sean Hamilton, who lived locally, was crossing Holgate Road on Saturday night when he was hit by a Ford Transit van.

Witnesses said the van then crashed into parked cars and two occupants were seen running away, leaving the engine running and the radio blaring.

The five were released pending further inquiries, police said.

All of them live locally, and are aged between 16 and 22.

Sean had been with his elder sister and two friends when the crash happened at about 2020 BST.

'Significant search'

Police said the occupants of the van were seen running away in the direction of the Acomb area of York

A police spokesman said they then began a "significant search" which included the use of a police helicopter and dogs.

The collision occurred near Holgate Bridge, known locally as the Iron Bridge, and the road around the area was closed for some time as forensic experts examined the scene.

Sean was taken to York District Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On Sunday Sean's family visited the scene of the crash where floral tributes had been laid.

It is every parent's worst nightmare to lose a child in such a way Traffic sgt Andy Quigley

They left a card which read: "Sean. You will always be with us, our hearts are broken, God wanted a angel and as usual you were at the front of the queue.

"All our love, kisses and cuddles."

Another card, left by a friend, read: "Sean, we was best friends for ages. We will miss you so much mate."

Traffic Sergeant Andy Quigley said: "The death of Sean Hamilton is truly tragic and heartbreaking for all concerned.

"It is every parent's worst nightmare to lose a child in such a way."

Rebecca Thompson, who said she lived three doors down from the family, said: "I can't believe someone would do that to a little lad. It's terrible.

"It'll be terrible for the family, they'll just be devastated. How they're going to manage now, I just don't know."

Father Pat Smith, of Our Lady's Church in York, also visited the scene.

He said: "The little boy made his first communion in our church about two years ago and it's just to tragic to face this today.

"I've been to see the family and they are obviously very upset and traumatised. They can't take it all in yet."

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the van or its occupants at the time of the crash to contact them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/8289455.stm