William Brown: Fundraiser launches for boy, 7, killed in crash

The boy killed has been named by his father as William Brown

The mother of a seven-year-old boy who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash in Kent has launched a fundraising page to cover the cost of his funeral.

William Brown was hit as he walked in Sandgate Esplanade in Folkestone on Wednesday.

A 49-year-old from the Dymchurch area was arrested on Thursday and has since been bailed, police said.

Thousands of pounds has been donated to a Gofundme page in a few hours.

Police said the crash involved two vehicles - a red Citroen car and a grey Peugeot van, which left the scene prior to the arrival of emergency services.

William was confirmed dead at the scene.

On Thursday, a man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.

He was bailed to return to the police station in March, pending further inquiries.

William's mother, Laura Brown, said the sole purpose of the fundraiser was to fund his funeral at St Eanswythe's Church in Folkestone.

More than 170 donations have been made since the fundraiser was set up on Saturday, totalling more than £5,000.

Following the fatal crash, Ms Brown told the BBC: "He was the sweetest boy in the world, so soft and gentle."

William was a pupil at St Eanswythe's Church of England Primary School.

Officers have issued a renewed appeal for information following the fatal crash, which happened near the junction with Prospect Road at 17:35 GMT.

Witnesses and those with CCTV or dashcam footage are being asked to contact police.

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