Minsterley tragedy: Appeal for witnesses after 19-month-old boy killed by car

The road outside the Friends chip shop Co-op food store and petrol station and the Muller factory was closed after the tragedy yesterday.

Police said the vehicle involved was a silver-coloured Hyundai Santa Fe.

A spokesman said: "The pedestrian, a 19-month old boy, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers."

Investigating officer, PC Mark Cranfield from West Mercia Police, said: "We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have any information to please come forward.

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"This has been an understandably distressing incident within the community, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved."

"If anyone has any information, call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident reference 245s of 21 December. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org

"The boy's family have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

The accident happened just after 11am yesterday. Members of the public attempted to save the boy’s life by giving CPR but West Midlands Ambulance Service said he was confirmed dead at the scene of the incident.

An ambulance, three paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board, rushed to the scene in an effort to help the boy.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman Claire Brown said the crews had taken over the efforts to resuscitate him when they arrived.

She said: “When crews arrived they found a boy in cardiac arrest being given CPR by members of the public following a collision with a car.

“Ambulance staff quickly took over resuscitation efforts on scene and continued advanced life support as a team. Tragically, nothing could be done to save the boy and he was confirmed dead at scene.”

Police shut the A488 through the village just after midday and advised drivers to avoid the area. The road was reopened at 3pm.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Chief Inspector Alison Davies from West Mercia Police said: “Road closures remained in place while emergency services were at the scene.

“Officers are currently supporting the child’s family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to please come forward.”