Tributes are paid to ‘cute and kind’ boy, eight, who was knocked down and killed by BMW ‘racing another car’
- The boy was crossing a road in Greater Manchester when he was hit on Thursday
- He was rushed to hospital but has tragically since died from his injuries
- Sergeant Matthew Picton of Greater Manchester Police said it was ‘tragic’
The family of an eight-year-old boy hit and killed by a BMW allegedly racing another car have paid tributes to the youngster.
Safiullah Asif was killed as he crossed the road in Ashton-Under-Lyne on Thursday night.
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
His uncle Norman Latif said the youngster’s mother and father, Noreen and Imran, are ‘beyond heartbroken’ following the death of their young son.
Safiullah Asif was killed as he crossed the road in Ashton-Under-Lyne on Thursday night
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving
Mr Latif told The Sun: ‘He was the cutest, sweetest boy you will ever meet. He was so kind and was always happy to help people.
‘His parents are beyond heartbroken – they are completely devastated. No parent should lose their child.
‘Now we want justice and for those responsible to feel the full weight of the law. We want them to pay for what they have done.’
Police arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving before he was then re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The man was also arrested for driving without insurance following the crash in Ashton-Under-Lyne on Thursday night.
A second man aged 21 was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.
The boy had begun to cross the road in Ryecroft Street shortly after 8.15pm when he was stuck by a black BMW.
He was rushed to hospital but has tragically since died.
Sergeant Matthew Picton of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: ‘Sadly, this is now a fatal collision investigation.
‘This is dreadful news. Our thoughts are firmly with the young boys family and we’re determined to get them the answers they deserve.
‘While we have made an arrest, our investigations remain ongoing.
‘Our officers are working hard to find out more details about what happened during and after the collision.
‘If you were on or around Ryecroft Street at the time of the incident and witnessed the collision or saw the car involved please contact police as soon as possible.
Any dash cam or CCTV footage of the incident could prove invaluable in our search for more information.’
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2597 of 23/07/2020 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.