A COMMUNITY IN SHOCK
Residents left heartbroken after five-year-old dies following collision with van
TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a five-year-old boy who died after being hit by a van in Newcastle.
Layton Darwood was fatally injured after being involved in a collision with a Ford Transit van on Willow Avenue, Fenham, at around 4.50pm on Monday.
Emergency services arrived at the scene and transported him to hospital where he died a short time later.
The incident has shook the community, with many struggling to come to terms with Layton’s death.
Matthew Stewart, 43, who lives on Willow Avenue, said: “It is absolutely heartbreaking. A tragedy.
“I could not believe it when I came in to find out what had happened. Everyone around here is devastated. It is a loss of such a young boy who had his whole life ahead of him.
“I have a six-year-old son and I cannot even begin to imagine what the parents are going through right now. My heart goes out to the family.”
On Tuesday, the scene of the incident became a point where mourners gathered to pay their respects.
Tears were flowing as members of the public left flowers, cards and balloons in tribute to Layton.
Hayley Williams, 32, of Willow Avenue, said: “My heart goes out to the family. My son is eight and I was in tears yesterday. I would never imagine it happening here in a million years.
“It is so sad a poor little boy has lost his life. The paramedics on the scene did a fantastic job.”
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, laid pink roses by the side of the road. She said: “It is very upsetting as I have a son myself. It is terrible.
“He is so young and it is heartbreaking. I don’t know the family but I barely slept last night thinking about what happened. It is just so sad.”
A man, who asked not to be named, added: “I don’t know the family but this is an absolute tragedy. Everyone on the estate is just in shock at the minute.
“We cannot get our heads around what has happened.
“It is awful the young boy has died. May he rest in peace.”
A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s motor patrols department continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sergeant Lee Butler said: “This is a devastating time for Layton’s family and our thoughts go out to them at this horrendous time.
“They continue to be offered support by specialist family liaison officers.
“The whole community is saddened by what has happened and I know they will rally round to support them.
“We would ask that people respect their privacy as they try to come to terms with their tragic loss and avoid speculating about the circumstances of the collision at this early stage.”
Police are now searching for any witnesses who may be able help them with their investigation.
Sergeant Raymond Lowery added: “I am appealing to any road users who were travelling in the area around that time to come forward with any information or dashcam footage.
“From CCTV, we understand a taxi was in the area at the time and the driver may have seen the van prior to the collision so we are particularly keen for them to get in touch.
“Also any witnesses from nearby homes or businesses, or those passing on foot, are urged to come forward.
“It may prove crucial in allowing us to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.”
■ ANYONE with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 748 of August 24 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be left on the Northumbria Police website.