Tragic Incident Unfolds: Seven-Year-Old Son Struck in Hit-and-Run
A devastating hit-and-run incident in Folkestone, Kent, has left a father grieving the loss of his seven-year-old son, William Brown.
The heartbroken father, Will Brown Snr, has issued a heartfelt plea for justice after the young boy was fatally struck by a yet-to-be-identified vehicle while attempting to retrieve his football on Sandgate Esplanade.
Father’s Emotional Appeal: Forgiveness Amid Grief
In an emotional video appeal, Will Brown Snr urged the hit-and-run driver to come forward to the police. Holding his son’s green football shirt, he expressed forgiveness, stating, “William Jnr was a beautiful boy, and he believed in forgiveness and love.
If it’s you, you’re feeling guilty, but we really need to know so we can lay our son in peace and know what happened to him.”
Family’s Devastation: The Best of Friends Lost
William’s mother, Laura, step-mother Vicky Phillips, and six-year-old sister, Pearl, were described as “the best of friends” to the young boy.
The devastating loss has left the family shattered, with the grieving father sharing the impact of the tragedy in a poignant video from William’s bedroom adorned with teddy bears and a neon sign bearing his name.
Police Hunt for Driver: Community Shocked
Kent Police are actively seeking the unidentified driver of the van or car involved in the hit-and-run incident. The collision, which occurred near the junction with Prospect Road, also involved a red Citroen.
The unidentified vehicle fled the scene in the direction of Hythe, prompting a closure of the high street for accident investigation work.
Community Urged to Assist: Witnesses and Information Needed
The local community is urged to come forward with any information that might aid the investigation. Will Brown Snr appealed to the people of Folkestone and Hythe, requesting their help in shedding light on the tragic incident.
Kent Police have issued a plea for witnesses and anyone with CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the area to come forward.
Appeal for Justice: Contact Information for Witnesses
Witnesses or individuals with information related to the hit-and-run incident are encouraged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at 01622 798538, quoting reference MM/DGC/130/23, or via email at sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk. The police are also asking drivers and local residents to check their dashcams or CCTV for any footage that may assist in identifying the driver responsible for this heartbreaking tragedy.
