Boy, 12, killed in hit-and-run crash on M62 in West Yorkshire

A 12-year-old boy has died after a hit-and-run crash on the M62 in West Yorkshire.

The boy was hit by a vehicle on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway between junctions 25 and 26 near Cleckheaton at about 9.50pm on Saturday, and found in the westbound carriageway.

He was trying to make his way from the central reservation to the hard shoulder of the motorway when he was hit by the vehicle, West Yorkshire Police said.

The vehicle involved failed to stop at the scene, the force added.

Police had received earlier reports shortly after 9.30pm of a one-vehicle crash involving an Audi Q5 on the slip road to Hartshead services and subsequent reports immediately prior to the collision on the eastbound carriageway of the M62 of two people walking along the motorway.

Emergency services at the scene found a man on the hard shoulder of the motorway. He was taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of a child and is currently in custody.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Jones said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident that has resulted in the death of a young boy. We have specialist officers supporting his family at this extremely difficult time.

“We understand that he was trying to make his way from the central reservation to the hard shoulder when he has been hit by a vehicle.

“The driver of this vehicle has not stopped at the scene or reported this collision to the police, and I would urge them to come forward now and assist us in our inquiries.

“We are also asking anyone who was driving along the M62 between Hartshead Moor and the M606 last night between 9.30pm and 9.50pm to please check any dashcam footage you may have of this incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the major collision inquiry team by using 101 live chat or by calling 101, quoting log 1786 of August 5.

A full closure of the M62 in both directions between junctions 25 and 26 which was put in place overnight while emergency services dealt with the incident has now been lifted.