A six-year-old boy described as "full of character and personality" has died after being hit by a van outside his home in Llanfairfechan, Conwy. Harrison Glynne Jones was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the collision on Thursday, just after 5pm, in front of his devastated family.
The close-knit community of Llanfairfechan is said to be "hurting" following the tragedy. A GoFundMe page set up to support the family has already raised more than £17,000 within hours of being established.
Family's World Changed 'Forever'
The fundraiser describes the incident as having changed the family's world "forever." It portrays Harrison as a "cheeky chappy, full of character with a personality that could light up a room, and he was loved more deeply than words could ever express."
In addition to his mother and father, Harrison leaves behind two older sisters, according to the GoFundMe page. The page states: "Harrison's mum and dad are facing the unimaginable task of saying goodbye to their precious little boy, while trying to somehow navigate life without him so we have set up this fundraiser to help Harrison's parents through the difficult weeks and months ahead."
Community Tributes and Support
The driver of the van involved, a 39-year-old local man, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences. He has since been released under investigation, with officers continuing to appeal for witnesses.
The Llanfair Arms closed its doors as a mark of respect, with the pub sharing a post noting that the entire village is feeling the loss of a "very special little boy." They wrote: "He was a little boy so many of us knew, and loved, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him at this unimaginably painful time."
Local football club Llanfairfechan Town FC also paid tribute, writing: "The heartbreaking loss of a young boy has touched everyone across Llanfairfechan. There really are no words at a time like this. But if there is one thing about our village, it's that in the darkest of times, we come together. We look after our own, we support one another, and we stand beside those who need us most."
Hope Church opened its doors on Friday afternoon as a place for the community to gather and pay their respects.
Police Investigation and Appeal
Detective Inspector Tim Evans, of the North Wales Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Our thoughts are first and foremost with the child's family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. We recognise the profound impact that a tragedy such as this has on a family and the wider community."
He added: "A full investigation into the circumstances of the collision is now underway, and we are renewing our appeal to anyone who was in the area around Pen y Bryn Road and Mill Road around 5pm Thursday and who is yet to speak to us, to contact us as soon as possible. We're urging anybody who may have private CCTV footage, a front door camera or dashcam footage to please get in touch. These may have captured something that you did not think was significant at the time."
A spokesperson added: "We would ask people to be mindful of the family and those affected by this tragedy, and not to speculate about the circumstances of the collision or share material online whilst the investigation continues."
Anyone with information is urged to contact North Wales Police via the live webchat, via 101, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 26000807122.
