Man arrested after William Brown killed in suspected hit-and-run in Sandgate, near Folkestone, has bail extended until summer

A man arrested in connection with the suspected hit-and-run death of a seven-year-old boy has had his bail extended until the summer.

William Brown died after being struck by two vehicles in Sandgate, near Folkestone,^[1] when he went to retrieve a football on December 6.

William Brown was trying to retrieve a football when he was struck close to his home

A 49-year-old was taken into custody almost 24 hours after the accident.

The suspect was arrested in Dymchurch and was later questioned by detectives on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.

His bail was set to end on March 6^[2] but this has now been extended until June 8.

The accident happened in Sandgate Esplanade, near its junction with Prospect Road.

His heartbroken family, including mum Laura and dad Will, say he was trying to retrieve a football when he was struck close to his home.

Laura Brown says her son, William Brown, was the 'sweetest, funniest, kindest' boy. Picture: The Brown family

William Brown was killed in a hit-and-run in Sandgate Esplanade. Picture: The Brown family

Police say the fatal collision involved two vehicles – a grey Peugeot van and a red Citroen car.

The van left the scene in the direction of Hythe, before the arrival of emergency services.

Medics tried desperately to resuscitate William for 40 minutes but were unable to save his life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His devastated dad, who had watched on helplessly during the CPR efforts, paid tribute to his “gentle” and “wonderful child”^[3].

William, a St Eanswythe Primary School pupil, was laid to rest on January 13 at The Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, a place he would often go to play with his friends.

Floral tributes have been left along Sandgate Esplanade at the junction with Prospect Road

William Brown Jrs coffin is carried to The Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, Folkestone, by a horse and carriage bearing the colours of his beloved Manchester United. Picture: Barry Goodwin

King Charles granted special permission^[4] for William to be buried at the historic graveyard which had been shut for burials since 1855 after an order was issued by the Privy Council.

Hundreds of mourners attended, with many lining the streets^[5] for the funeral procession through Folkestone, while 10,000 people tuned in to a live stream shared on KentOnline^[6].

Speaking after the service, his mum Laura Brown said it was a wonderful send-off for her son.

References

1. ^{^} Folkestone, (www.kentonline.co.uk)
2. ^{^} bail was set to end on March 6 (www.kentonline.co.uk)
3. ^{^} paid tribute to his “gentle” and “wonderful child” (www.kentonline.co.uk)
4. ^{^} King Charles granted special permission (www.kentonline.co.uk)
5. ^{^} mourners attended, with many lining the streets (www.kentonline.co.uk)
6. ^{^} KentOnline (www.kentonline.co.uk)