Hunt for driver after boy, 12, killed by BMW

Police have named a man they wish to speak to in connection with a suspected hit and run in the West Midlands in which a schoolboy was killed.

Dolars Aleksanders is wanted after Keaton Slater was hit by a black BMW car in Radford Road, Coventry on Friday afternoon. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

West Midlands Police said: “Have you seen Dolars Aleksanders? The 21-year-old is wanted on suspicion of death by dangerous driving after a 12-year-old boy died following a collision in Radford Road, Coventry on Friday 14 June.

“If you’ve seen him, or know where he is, please don’t approach him but call 999 immediately.”

In a tribute, released through the police, the boy’s family said: “We all will miss our fun-loving little comedian, he just wanted to make everyone laugh and smile.

“He was so beautiful inside and outside, our baby and little brother. Life can be so horrible.”

A JustGiving page set up in the aftermath of the tragedy has so far raised £36,534, surpassing the target sum of £35,000.

Organiser John McDevitt said: “No parent should ever have to deal with the trauma of losing a child so young.

“His family has been told about the JustGiving page and is very grateful that it is being done as they try and deal with what has happened.

“It will help the family with funeral expenses and any other living costs giving them time to begin to process and mourn the loss of their son and brother without having the extra burden of worrying about paying for a funeral and going to work.”

The BMW was seized and is being forensically examined after it was found abandoned on Friday evening in the New Arley area of the city, police said.

Officers are looking at CCTV from around the area and have spoken to several witnesses as inquiries continue.

Sgt Rich Evans, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “A family has lost a 12-year-old boy in an appalling incident and our thoughts remain with them.

“We are offering them support at this most dreadful of times, and we’re keeping them informed as our work to trace those responsible goes on.

“We’d like to thank all those people who have already contacted us with information and our inquiries are progressing.

“But we’d again appeal for those involved, or anyone who knows them, to search their consciences, do the right thing, and tell us what you know.”