Tributes paid to ‘beautiful’ boy, 12, killed in hit-and-run on M62 motorway as man set to appear in court

A mother has paid tribute to a “beautiful, happy” 12-year-old boy who died in a hit-and-run collision on the M62 motorway as a man is set to appear in court today.

Callum Rycroft was attempting to cross from the central reservation to the hard shoulder when he was hit by a Toyota C-HR near Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, at around 9.50pm on Saturday, police said.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.

In a statement released by West Yorkshire Police, his mother said: “Callum was a beautiful happy soul who was unique, great fun and larger than life. He brought light, laughter and noise into any room.

“Callum had a massive impact on everyone who met him. The house is so quiet without him here.

“We are devastated at what has happened and request that people respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time. We are very grateful for the support and kind comments we have received.”

It comes as a 36-year-old man, named as Matthew Rycroft, from Leeds, has been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child during the incident.

He is also charged with failing to provide a specimen and is due to appear at magistrates’ court on Tuesday.

West Yorkshire Police said they believe the “dreadful” incident began when an Audi Q5 was involved in a one-vehicle collision on the slip road into Hartshead Services.

A short time later they received reports of two people walking along the M62 motorway.

Callum was then hit by a black Toyota while attempting to cross the motorway and the driver failed to stop or report the incident to emergency services, police said.

A 47-year-old man from Bolton was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Jones, said: “We continue to conduct a number of enquiries into this dreadful incident and to support the victim’s family.

“A man, believed to be driving the Toyota C-HR which failed to stop after it was in collision with the victim, has now been arrested and will be questioned about the incident.

“As part of our enquiries we are appealing for anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage of the Toyota C-HR’s movements after the collision with the child to contact us.

“We would appeal for footage taken of the black Toyota, which had sustained damage to its front and windscreen, taken between 9.50pm and 10.30pm during which period we believe the car travelled from the Chain Bar roundabout along Whitehall Road (A58) towards junction with Westfield Lane.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team by using 101 Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting log 1786 of 5 August.”