In a heartrending incident in Kent, a seven-year-old boy, William Brown, was tragically killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash. The accident occurred on Sandgate Esplanade in Folkestone at around 5.35pm on Wednesday.

In the wake of this devastating event, a 49-year-old man from the Dymchurch area was arrested on Thursday. He has since been released on bail, according to the police. The fatal crash, which took place near the junction with Prospect Road, involved two vehicles: a red Citroen car and a grey Peugeot van. Notably, the van reportedly left the scene before the emergency services arrived.

William Brown was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving his family and the local community in mourning. The boy’s parents, William Brown Sr. and Laura Brown, are devastated by the loss of their son. William Brown Sr. remembered his son as “a beautiful boy” who was killed while trying to cross the road to retrieve his football.

Laura Brown, in an emotional statement to the BBC, described William as “the sweetest boy in the world, so soft and gentle.” Overcome with grief, she appealed to the public for assistance in finding the person responsible, saying, “Someone killed my son and left him in the middle of the road. Please help us find this person. I’m begging you. Do it for William.”

The suspect, arrested 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, has been bailed to return to the police station in March, pending further inquiries.

Kent Police have issued a renewed appeal for witnesses and are requesting anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. This tragedy has deeply affected the community, prompting an urgent call for information that could lead to clarity and closure for the grieving family.

The Brown family’s pain and their plea for justice resonate deeply, highlighting the devastating impact of road accidents and the importance of responsible driving.