'Much-loved' boy, five, who died after being hit by a van named as Layton Darwood

Layton Darwood, aged five, was fatally injured after he was hit by a Ford Transit van on Willow Avenue, Fenham, at around 4.50pm on Monday, August 24.

A 38-year-old man remains in police custody at this time and specialist officers in Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols department continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnesses the incident or has dashcam footage of the area to contact police as soon as possible.

The white Ford Transit van was towing a trailer with a digger on it at the time of the collision.

Sergeant Lee Butler has asked that the community respect Layton’s family’s privacy at this difficult time.

He said: “This is a devastating time for Layton’s family and our thoughts go out to them at this horrendous time. They continue to be offered support by specialist family liaison officers.

“The whole community is saddened by what has happened and I know they will rally round to support them.

“We would ask that people respect their privacy as they try to come to terms with their tragic loss and avoid speculating about the circumstances of the collision at this early stage."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 748 240820 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also tell us something via our website.

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