Man held over hit-and-run death of Owen Wightman

(PA)

A man was arrested today on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a six-year-old boy was knocked down and killed by a motorist, police said.

West Yorkshire Police said a 21-year-old man from Huddersfield had been arrested and would be interviewed in connection with the death of Owen Wightman.

Owen was hit by a car while out playing with his seven-year-old friend close to his home in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on Saturday.

Owen was hit as he crossed the busy Fishpond Road at lunchtime on Saturday.

Police said a light blue or grey hatchback driven by a lone white male, probably in his 20s, failed to stop at the scene.

But the car did stop about 100 yards further along the road after taking a left turn into Haveroid Lane, police said.

The driver was seen inspecting the front of the car for damage.

A team of detectives have been scrutinising CCTV footage from a passing bus which captured the car involved.

Police said today they have had a "good response" to appeals for help.

Owen's parents, Joanne, 33, and Neil, 31, said they had lost their "baby" and appealed for someone to come forward so they could "lay him to rest".

A statement said: "He was a perfect little man who was taken from us - just perfect in every way.

"He walked into a room and lit it up.

"He was our bundle of joy and our little ray of sunshine."

The family said Owen leaves two brothers - Jack, 12, and one-year-old Thomas.

Masses of floral tributes and teddy bears have been left at the scene.

Today, local residents continued to place notes and flowers by the side of the road.

Along with flowers and a green, cuddly monkey, Owen's elder brother Jack left a note which read: "You were the best bro' ever.

"Even when we used to fight and argue I still loved you anyway."

Another note said: "To mummy and daddy's little soldier, forever in our hearts, love u always."

The Sun has put up a £10,000 reward to help find the driver.

The paper said the reward would be paid for information directly resulting in the conviction of those responsible for Owen's death.

And the charity Crimestoppers said it was offering a reward of up to £5,000 for crucial information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.