Funeral appeal for boy hit by bus reaches £8,000

The father of four-year-old Zaahir Jan said he was a "sweet and charming boy"

A family's fundraising appeal for the funeral of a four-year-old boy who was hit by a bus has raised more than £8,000 in just more than a day.

Zaahir Jan died following a crash outside the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent, at about 16:00 BST on Thursday.

The boy had been visiting his grandmother in the hospital.

Navid Feizi, Zaahir's father, told the BBC on Saturday: "This was the saddest day of my life - he was my heart."

He added: "He was the cutest, smartest, charmed boy. I am a tyre fitter and he was always wanted to work with me.

"As soon as I received the call my day turned to nightmare. I wish I was there to stop him running."

Mr Feizi said he wanted to warn other parents to "watch out for your kids when they're out running around because they are kids".

Zaahir's mother Azaria launched a GoFundMe page, describing him as "a sweet, funny boy with a cheeky smile that could make anyone's heart full".

On the appeal page, she wrote: "I am so lost, he was my son, my most beautiful little Jan.

"I don't know what to do, I can't believe you are gone from me. I didn't even get to tell you how much I love you.

"The smile that we can't see again. Can't hold him. Can't cuddle him. Can't hear him. Can't have him sleeping in my bed tonight.

"But I can try to give him the best and most comfortable burial."

Police said the boy left the hospital on foot before the crash happened

On Friday, Azaria and other family members arrived outside the hospital close to where he died.

Blankets, flowers, sweets and letters were laid at a memorial area.

Kent Police said the boy left the hospital on foot before the crash happened.

He was taken back inside but was confirmed dead a short while later, the force said.

Investigators from the serious collision investigation unit have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.