Death of toddler hit by car was ‘tragic accident’
17-MONTH-OLD ‘RAN INTO PATH OF VEHICLE’ OUTSIDE HOTEL
A 17-MONTH-OLD boy died after being hit by a car outside a Salford Quays hotel in what police say was a ‘tragic accident.’
It is understood the child was walking behind his parents in a car park near the Ibis Hotel when he ran into the path of a vehicle.
The family had parked up and were making their way to the rear entrance of the hotel at the time.
Police were first called to reports of a collision involving the child and a Toyota Rav-4 at the car park on Trafford Road shortly after 9pm on Thursday.
More than 10 emergency vehicles were seen lined up outside the front of the venue in the wake of the tragic incident.
The boy sadly died at the scene.
Residents nearby spoke of their shock after hearing the horror unfold.
Alec Turton, 35, said: “I heard people screaming and shouting. People were absolutely frantic.”
Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: “I heard someone screaming so I came out. It was horrendous, people were absolutely distraught.” Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have stressed they believe it was a tragic accident and that there are no suspicious circumstances. Sgt Brian Orr, of the SCIU, said: “This was a heartbreaking incident involving a young boy which has understandably left his family distraught and the thoughts of everyone in the SCIU are with them at this terrible time.
“At the moment this appears to have been a truly tragic accident and not a suspicious incident.
“However, we have launched an investigation to establish a full understanding of exactly what happened. I would ask that anybody who witnessed the collision to please contact police.”
A spokesman for Ibis said: “We can confirm that the emergency services were called to deal with a tragic incident involving a child outside one of our hotels in Salford Quays.
“We are of course providing any assistance and support we can to the police and the family, and ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this sensitive time.”