Child pedestrian dies in horror crash involving a van as cops launch urgent appeal for dashcam footage

A YOUNG child has been killed after being struck by a van, as cops launch an urgent appeal.

Police responded to reports of a crash in Colehill, Dorset, at around 1.54pm today.

The horror smash unfolded on Cutlers Place, near to the junction with Middlehill Road.

Despite their best efforts paramedics sadly pronounced the child dead at the scene.

Dorset Police are urging any witnesses to come forward with information or dashcam footage.

A spokesperson for the force said: “His family has been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

“Road closures were put in place to allow the emergency services to respond to the incident and for a detailed examination of the collision scene to be carried out.”

“Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “First and foremost our thoughts and hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young child who very sadly died in this collision.

“We are continuing to carry out a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoke to police, or anyone who may have captured relevant dashcam footage, to please make contact with us.

“Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during the road closures.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 11:266.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 1.51pm on Friday 11 April to an incident in Wimborne.

“We sent two double-crewed land ambulances, an air ambulance, an operations officer, and a critical care car to the scene.”