Family seek answers over boy's lorry crash death

The family of a Dundee schoolboy who died after being struck by a lorry more than 35 years ago say they are still seeking answers as police launch a new appeal for information.

Danny Leech was seven years old when he was knocked down while crossing the city's Arbroath Road on 8 September 1989.

His family said the case was not investigated properly at the time and have asked why the driver was never charged.

His mother Linda described the day she lost her son as "a total nightmare" and said it still felt like yesterday.

Linda Leech's life was devastated when her son was killed more than 30 years ago

"They say time heals all, but it doesn't," she said.

Mrs Leech described Danny as "a typical wee boy".

She added: "Everybody seemed to like him".

Danny's mother Linda said her son was "a typical wee boy"

Danny's brother John, who is now aged 47, said he had been at his father's house on the day of the crash.

He got a phone call telling him to go to Dundee Royal Infirmary immediately because his brother had been run over.

"As a 12-year-old I wasn't aware of death in detail, but my mother and father got ushered to a side room.

"The next thing I remember is being in a room with my parents and Danny."

John Leech said the road was not fully cleaned up after his brother's death

Mr Leech has spearheaded a campaign to find out the full circumstances of his brother's death.

He said: "Danny wasn't to blame for this.

"The aftermath of the accident was a case of clear up the body, clear the road, get the traffic moving again. There was no investigation.

"There have been witnesses who have come forward that weren't even spoken to by the police.

"The road was open and blood was still on the street.

"Cars were passing over Danny's blood, it wasn't cleaned up."

Police carried out a re-enactment of the scene last year

Last year the family passed new information to police, who are currently examining the details.

Officers have already carried out a site visit and staged a reconstruction at the scene of the collision.

In October last year The Courier newspaper reported that a new eyewitness had spoken to police.

Mr Leech said he was "absolutely appreciative" that Police Scotland had issued a fresh appeal, but that he still had many unanswered questions.

He said he wanted to know why his brother's death had not been investigated at the time.

"There was minimal paperwork and no criminal proceedings," he said.

"Why was the vehicle allowed to leave the scene? Why wasn't it impounded?

"And more importantly, why wasn't the driver charged? I think these are important questions.

"Historically, I don't believe it was treated well at all, to the point where the bare minimum was done."

John Leech says he has fond memories of "fun brother times" with Danny

Mr Leech said he had fond memories of "fun brother times" with Danny, including cycling trips.

He said: "He had a zest for life, that's for sure.

"He was taken away far too soon."

Insp Roy McCarney said police were carrying out a comprehensive review of the information which had been provided by the Leech family.

"As part of this review we have spoken to witnesses who previously gave information to the police.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen the crash or has any further details which haven't been previously passed to police to come forward."

He added: "We fully appreciate the impact that Danny's death has had on his family over the past 35 years and understand their desire for more information about the circumstances.

"We remain in regular contact with them and will provide them with a full update on the conclusion of our review."