HEARTFELT tributes are flowing for a schoolboy killed after he was hit by a Mercedes minivan.
Police have arrested a teenager on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of a boy who was hit by the minibus in Northfleet, Kent, on Wednesday.
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The boy, who is of secondary school age, had been walking to school when he was hit by a Mercedes Sprinter.
He was taken to hospital where he later died from multiple serious injuries.
Heartbroken friends have left dozens of flowers and candles at the scene in memory of the boy who has been named locally as Szymon.
One message read: “R.I.P little man. I know I’ve never met you but you have touched the heart of every parent.”
Another said: “RIP Szymon. I’ll miss you mate. I hope you’re still playing basketball in heaven.”
Two basketballs were also left with “R.I.P” written on them. One declared “you were the best at ball”.
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Kent Police confirmed today a teenage boy, from Gravesend, Kent, had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
He is understood to be under the legal driving age and not behind the wheel of the minibus.
One line of inquiry police are understood to be investigating is whether the victim was pushed into the road.
A Kent Police spokesman said: “A teenage boy, from the Gravesend area, was arrested in connection with the incident.
“He has since been released on bail, until February 17, pending further enquiries.
“The teenager has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.”
YOUNG WITNESSES ‘DISTRESSED’
The collision happened close to a junction just metres from the entrance to Northfleet Technology College.
It confirmed the victim was a pupil at the 11+ all boys school and said several students who witnessed the incident were “extremely distressed”.
A letter from head teacher Jane Partridge told parents: “I’m sorry to inform you that one of our community died this morning after being hit by a vehicle on his way to school.
“The incident is currently under investigation by the police so we are unable to comment further.
“A number of our students witnessed the incident, and the following events, and are understandably extremely distressed.
“The school will be providing support if it is required for these students.”
The boy’s next of kin has been informed and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Officers closed the road in both directions while the air ambulance also attended.
A Kent Police spokesman said officers are appealing for witnesses.
The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate has launched a dedicated public portal online for witnesses to submit information which may help the investigation.
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