Man arrested after ‘beautiful’ boy, 7, killed in crash in Folkestone

A man has been arrested after a seven-year-old boy was killed in a crash between two vehicles as he crossed a road in Folkestone on Wednesday.

William Brown died at the scene on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade after being hit at around 5.35pm near the junction with Prospect Road, Kent Police said.

The crash involved two vehicles – an unidentified car or van and a red Citroen car.

A 49-year-old man, from the Dymchurch area, was detained on Thursday evening and is now in custody.

One of the cars left the scene in the direction of Hythe prior to the arrival of emergency services, Kent Police said.

Earlier on Thursday, the boy’s father, William Brown Senior, said his son was hit as tried to collect his football.

He described him as “a beautiful boy” who “believed in forgiveness and love”.

Mr Brown added: “If it’s you, you’re feeling guilty, but we really need to know so we can lay our son in peace and know what happened to him.”

Speaking to the BBC, William’s mother, Laura Brown, said: “He was the sweetest boy in the world, so soft and gentle.”

“Someone killed my son and left him in the middle of the road,” she said.

“Please help us find this person. I’m begging you. Do it for William.”

Folkestone & Hythe District Council leader Jim Martin offered his condolences to the family.

“His death at such a young age is a terrible tragedy and we can only echo the heartfelt plea of his parents that the driver of the vehicle come forward to assist Kent police officers with their investigation,” he said.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference MM/DGC/130/23.