UK

Public urged to ‘do the right thing’ as police hunt man after boy dies in hit-and-run

Public urged to 'do the right thing' as police hunt man after boy dies in hit-and-run

Police hunting a man over a hit-and-run crash that left a 12-year-old boy dead have urged the public to “do the right thing” and come forward with information.

Dolars Aleksanders, 21, is being sought on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after Keaton Slater was hit by a black BMW car on Radford Road in Coventry shortly after 4.30pm on Friday.

The boy was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Keaton’s family have paid tribute to a “fun-loving little comedian” who was “so beautiful inside and out”.

Flowers, balloons, toys and flags have been left at the site of the crash.

Image:
Keaton Slater. Pic: West Midlands Police

Superintendent Paul Joyce said he was determined to “do everything we can” to achieve justice for Keaton, a keen football fan.

He said: “We are asking everyone to think about what this would be like if it happened to your family and do the right thing and tell us what you know.

“Keaton was a young boy enjoying his life. As a football fan, he would no doubt have enjoyed cheering on England last night, but for his life to be cruelly taken away like this is heart-breaking.

“Keaton’s family are being supported by specialist officers and we would ask their privacy be respected at this most tragic time.”

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Keaton has been pictured wearing a Coventry City FC strip in an image circulated to the media.

A spokesperson from the club said: “Coventry City are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of young supporter Keaton Slater.

“Keaton was a huge Coventry City supporter, and the thoughts and condolences of everyone at Coventry City Football Club and the entire Sky Blue community are with Keaton’s family and friends at this awful time for them.

“The Sky Blues will liaise with Keaton’s family to support them, and to help them to remember and to pay tribute to Keaton.”

An abandoned black BMW, which was seized by officers after it was found in New Arley on Friday evening, is being forensically examined.

Police said one person handed themselves in at a police station on Saturday evening and they have been released under investigation after being questioned voluntarily.

Officers are reviewing CCTV from the area and have spoken to a number of witnesses.