Boy, 15, hit by police car in Birmingham dies

The teenager was hit by the car outside Erdington police station

A 15-year-old boy hit by a police car has died in hospital, police said.

Harry Kirkham, from the Kingstanding area of Birmingham, was struck by the car outside a police station in Sutton New Road, Erdington, just after 21:00 GMT on Wednesday.

The teenager was with friends after leaving a local church, West Midlands Police said.

The male officer was on a routine patrol and not responding to an emergency call.

Ch Insp Neil Hobson said: "No parent should have to lose a child, particularly in such tragic circumstances. This evening our thoughts are with Harry's family following their tragic loss."

He said the police constable who had been driving the Peugeot, provided life-saving first aid until medical help arrived.

The boy, his brother and another youngster had just left the Potter's House Church, on the other side of the road from the police station.

'Upset and screaming'

Pastor Lewis Claxston heard the accident and rushed to the scene, where he said Harry's younger brother and his friend were "very upset and screaming".

"I couldn't do anything for him because the police officer was there and another guy from the church who was able to help him and put him in the recovery position.

"I tried to help his younger brother and comfort him as much as possible," Mr Claxston said.

A full investigation has been launched by West Midlands Police "to understand what happened".

CCTV cameras which may have captured the moment the boy was hit by the car have been identified, police said and the footage was being reviewed by investigators.

The officer, who was alone in the car, was questioned by detectives from the force's professional standards department.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has also been informed.