William Brown: Arrest after boy, 7, killed in Sandgate hit-and-run
- Published
William Brown Jr's parents made an emotional plea to the driver involved
A man has been arrested after a boy was killed crossing a road.
Seven-year-old William Brown was hit as he walked in Sandgate Esplanade in Folkestone, Kent, on Wednesday at 17:35 GMT.
The crash, near to the junction with Prospect Road, involved two vehicles, an unidentified car or van, and a red Citroen car, Kent Police said.
Police said a 49-year-old from the Dymchurch area was arrested at 17:15 GMT on Thursday.
The boy's father, William Brown Sr, said his son was "a beautiful boy", who had been killed while trying to cross the road to collect his football.
Relatives of William appealed for anyone with any information to come forward.
William's mother, Laura Brown, broke down as she told the BBC: "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."
William Brown’s mother Laura Brown was consoled at her home in Folkestone, Kent
William's father said: "Thousands of people walk down this road. Someone must have seen something.
"We just want peace for our son. Do it so Will gets his peace."
He added: "William Jr was a beautiful boy who believed in forgiveness.
"Nothing was a drama. If he was here he would say 'come on guys, we'll see you in heaven'."
Folkestone & Hythe District Council leader Jim Martin shared his condolences with 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.
A Kent Police spokesman said: "The unidentified vehicle left the scene in the direction Hythe, prior to the arrival of emergency services."
Any witnesses or those with CCTV or dashcam footage are being asked to contact police.
Police and ambulance crews attended, and William was confirmed dead at the scene.
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