A six-year-old boy has died after being hit by a van outside his home in north Wales. Harrison Glynne Jones has been named locally as the child involved in the crash that has shaken the community.
Emergency services were called to Llanfairfechan, Conwy, just after 5pm on Thursday (October 1). Paramedics treated Harrison at the scene, but he was pronounced dead despite their efforts.
Driver arrested and released
The driver of the van, a 39-year-old local man, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences. North Wales Police said he has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
A GoFundMe page set up by the family described 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." The page added: "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
The Llanfair Arms pub remained closed as a mark of respect, with a social media post stating that the whole village is feeling the loss of a "very special little boy." It 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."
Llanfairfechan Town FC also shared a tribute, saying: "The heartbreaking loss of a young boy has touched everyone across Llanfairfechan. There really are no words at a time like this, the Mirror reports. 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. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and everyone who loved him." The club also encouraged donations to the GoFundMe page.
Hope Church was open on Friday afternoon as a space for people to come together and reflect, reported WalesOnline.
Police appeal for information
Police renewed their appeal for information about the accident involving a white Ford Transit Tipper on Mill Road.
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.
"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. Please do not assume that someone else has come forward – even the smallest piece of information could help our investigation establish what happened."
