Xander Irvine: 91-year-old woman arrested in connection with his death

Xander was killed in a fatal road crash on June 30 in Morningside.

A 91-year-old woman has been arrested after a road crash that killed a three-year-old boy.

Xander Irvine was walking on Morningside Road with his mum Victoria on June 30 when a red Kia car came up onto the pavement and hit both of them.

Victoria recovered in hospital but Xander, aged three, was tragically killed.

The 91-year-old female driver was unharmed, and police in Edinburgh have announced that she has been arrested in connection with the incident, but not yet charged.

A report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

Xander’s death shook the community with floral tributes and toys left outside the St Columba's Hospice charity shop where the crash took place.

His funeral, held on July 9, saw hundreds line the streets to throw roses on the procession that was en route to a private ceremony at Morningside Cemetery.

A fundraising page set up raised over £27,000 for the family with the Go Fund Me page stating: “Whilst there is nothing that anyone can do to ease the grief and suffering of Xander’s family, we feel that if we can ease any financial burden faced in the aftermath of this tragedy that this will give some sort of comfort.”

In a statement released after his death, the family said: “Xander was a very happy, bubbly, intelligent little boy who was very dearly loved by his parents Victoria and Paul.

“Xander was a real chatterbox who just loved books, playing with all sorts of vehicles and his Lego.

“He really enjoyed life and he enriched the lives of everyone he met.

“Victoria and Paul are devastated and feel as if their hearts have been ripped out. Xander will be so very sorely missed by them both and all his family and friends in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"His parents would like to thank the paramedics, police, the fire and rescue service and members of the public for their help at the scene of the accident. Also, thank you to all the hospital staff and the police liaison for their help and to the public for their support to both Victoria and Paul and their families."

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