Hit-and-run motorist kills boy, 12, after fleeing from police check

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 12-year-old boy who died when he was hit by a motorist who was being pursued by police.

Bilal Khizar was on a pedestrian crossing in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on his way home after visiting a friend when he was hit by a car.

At the time, the vehicle was being driven at speed after being stopped by police for a check. The people in the car failed to stop after the car hit the youngster on Saturday evening.

Relatives and friends of the Bradford Academy pupil yesterday left flowers and bunting at the crossing where he was struck and killed.

Bilal’s family has described him as a “happy and chirpy” boy, who was loved by everyone at home and at school.

His aunt, Nadia Karin, said: “He was such a happy child. Happy and chirpy. He was loved by all the family and everyone at school. We can’t believe he’s gone.”

Rita Sinds, 54, a dinner lady at the academy, said: “It’s unbelievable that this has happened. A child so young shouldn’t go like this. He was loved by everyone.”

More than 30 floral tributes had been placed at the scene.

One read: : ‘Bilal, rest in peace. Your (sic) in a better place now. You’ll never be forgotten.”

Another said: “You was (sic) such a bubbly boy who didn’t deserve to go. Gone but never forgotten. Sleep tight up there angel.”

Two people have beenarrested in connection with the hit-and-run incident.

Bilal had been on crossing on Rooley Lane, in Bradford, when he was hit by the red Seat Ibiza.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said a marked police car stopped the Seat Ibiza in a lay-by on Rooley Lane for a check.

As officers left their car toapproach the vehicle, it made off at speed before colliding with the boy on a crossing.

The car failed to stop after hitting the youngster. It continued to the Chain Bar roundabout on the M606, where it was in collision with two other vehicles.

It was later found on Westfield Lane, in the Wyke area.

Two people were arrested as a result of police inquiries, which were said to be at a very early stage.

Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, who is leading the investigation for West Yorkshire Police, said: “This is a tragedy for the family and they are absolutely devastated. Specially trained officers are working with them.

“I need the community to come forward and tell me what has happened and what they have seen to help bring justice to the family.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched an investigation into the actions of the police officers before the fatal collision.

A IPCC spokesman said the investigation would examine the stopping of the Seat Ibiza, the interaction between officers and the people in the car and the following attempted police pursuit.

He said officers attempted to chase the Seat after it drove from the lay-by but lost sight of it.

The spokesman said: “West Yorkshire Police notified the IPCC of the incident yesterday evening and an IPCC investigator was deployed to begin anassessment.”

“The IPCC has deployed additional investigators to begin an independent investigation, which will examine the initial stop of the Seat Ibiza by officers, their interaction with the occupants and the ensuing attempted police pursuit.”