‘Sweet’ boy, 8, who died in car horror
TRIBUTES TO YOUNGSTER HIT CROSSING ROAD
A SCHOOLBOY who died after being hit by a car has been named locally as Safiullah Asif.
The eight-year-old was hit by a BMW as he crossed the road close to his family home in Ashton-under-Lyne last Thursday evening.
He was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the crash on Ryecroft Street at around 8.15pm. Safiullah died in hospital on Friday.
Two men have been arrested in connection with his death.
His family were said to be too upset to speak – but friends paid tribute. Safiullah’s father, Imran, manages a convenience store.
Neighbours said his son’s death has left the West End area of Ashton in shock. A neighbour said: “He was a very nice boy. Calm, but cute and sweet. They work in the shop so everyone knows them and everyone is in shock.”
Family friend Javed Gill, 59, said: “We feel so bad. There is so much sadness. Imran is my friend. He and the family are so, so upset. We have not been able to see him, he has not been able to face anyone.”
A number of floral tributes, balloons and candles have been left on the pavement close to the scene of the tragedy.
A woman who lives nearby said: “I heard a bang and dived out of the house with lots of the other neighbours and saw him.
“We waited with him while the paramedics arrived. It was very traumatic and upsetting. It has shocked everyone. I am a mother and a grandmother. My grandson is the same age as him so that’s really brought him home. I also witnessed my sister being knocked down when she was a kid and this has brought it all back. Things like this just shouldn’t happen.”
South Manchester Coroner’s Court confirmed the case had been referred.
A 33 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without third party insurance, Greater Manchester Police said.
A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident, they added.
Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Sgt Matthew Picton, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts are firmly with the young boy’s family and we’re determined to get them the answers they deserve. While we have made an arrest, our investigations remain ongoing.”
Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident can call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 2597 of 23/07/2020 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.