Boy, 8, killed after being hit by van named as friends lead tributes

Flowers and heart-breaking tributes have been left at the scene where an eight-year-old died after being hit by a van in Lancashire.

Named locally as Layton, the child was struck by a black Ford Transit at around 4.20pm on Tuesday (August 1) at Bilsborough Hey, Penwortham. The boy was taken to hospital but died a short while later.

Messages left at the scene of the incident read "Farewell Layton, until we meet again" and "Layton, I will miss you loads". Another said: "Fly high little man. You will be missed my man. You're at peace now. RIP.

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“I loved teaching you how to play football and teaching good football techniques to use in your little matches against me or the other kids on the street. You were one of the funniest kids I knew by far. Thank you for being such a good friend to my brother. You will always be in our hearts."

Lancs Live reports that the boy has not yet been formally identified by Lancashire Constabulary, who are supporting his family by specially-trained officers.

Another tribute, which included a drawing of Scooby Doo, said: "To Layton, I'll see you again. We will miss you and love you". Staff at a nearby school have also left tributes with one saying: "RIP little guy X Love from all at STMM XXX".

Another said: "Keeping you in our prayers at this sad time. Love from all at St Mary Magdalen's Primary School."

Detectives are carrying out an investigation to establish exactly what occurred and have appealed to anybody who saw the incident or has CCTV or dashcam, and has not yet spoken to officers to get in contact..

Supt Gary Crowe, of Lancashire Police’s South Division, said: "First and foremost we send our