21 Jun 2011

Man arrested over Wakefield hit-and-run death

Police arrest a 21-year-old man from Huddersfield on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, following the death of six-year-old Owen Wightman on Saturday.

West Yorkshire Police reported that the man is currently in detention and will be interviewed later this evening.

Six-year-old Owen Wightman died after being hit by a vehicle on Fishpond Lane in Chapelthorpe area, Wakefield around midday Saturday.

Owen had been playing with a seven-year-old friend at the time. His father found him in the street just minutes from home.

The arrest comes after police appealed to the driver of a “grey or light-coloured small hatchback type vehicle” which failed to stop at the scene.

The police said they had a good response following their appeal for the driver or anyone who had information bout his identify to contact them.

They said the vehicle he was travelling in is likely to have front-end damage as a result of the collision.

Owen Wightman’s parents Joanne and Neil were said to be “absolutely devastated” and urged people to come forwards with information.

They said in a statement: “We have lost our baby – if someone will please come forward so we can lay him to rest.

“Our perfect little man has been taken from us. He was just perfect in every way – when he walked into a room he lit it up. He was a bundle of joy – our little ray of sunshine.”

Mr Wightman, a landscape gardener, told the Yorkshire Post: “I got there and I went over to Owen and I was holding him and talking to him.

“I was holding his hand and saying ‘Owen, if you can hear me, please don’t leave us. I love you so much, you’re my little soldier.”

Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, who is leading the inquiry, said his team were analysing CCTV footage and forensic evidence from the scene.

He stated that the vehicle turned left into Haveroid Lane after the collision, 100 yards from where Owen was hit, and a witness saw a man stop the car to get out and check his vehicle.

“There was certainly damage to the car but, again, these are matters that I want the driver to tell us about,” said Mr Taylor.

West Yorkshire Police have asked anyone with information to call 0845 606 0606.