4x4 driver plea in Sean Hamilton hit-and-run hunt (From York Press)

4x4 driver plea in Sean Hamilton hit-and-run hunt

9:09am Friday 13th November 2009 in Sean Hamilton By Richard Harris

POLICE investigating the death of a ten-year-old boy in a hit and run accident are searching for the driver of a 4x4 vehicle.

Sean Hamilton died on October 3 when he was knocked over by what is believed to have been a blue Ford Transit panel van as he crossed Holgate Road, York, near the Iron Bridge at 8.20pm.

Investigating officers believe Sean, of Linnet Way, Foxwood, crossed the road directly behind a light-coloured 4x4 vehicle, which was not involved in the accident itself. Officers have now appealed for help in tracing the driver or occupants of the vehicle.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Quigley, of the central area road policing group, said: “I need to trace and speak to the driver and other occupants of this vehicle as a matter of urgency.

“I believe they may well be unaware that a tragic collision took place moments after this CCTV image was filmed, especially if they were just visiting York from other parts of the region or indeed elsewhere in the country.

“However, they may still be able to shed light on the manner of driving of other vehicles in the area at the time or may have noticed a young boy matching Sean’s description that Saturday evening.”

Officers investigating the tragedy said the occupants of the Ford Transit van that hit Sean stopped, before abandoning the vehicle and running off.

A police search involving dozens of officers, dogs and a helicopter eventually led to the arrest of five men early the next day.

The men, aged 16 to 22, have since been released on bail. Three of them are from Carlton, near Selby.

The driver or passengers in the 4x4 vehicle, or anyone who knows who it belongs to, is urged to phone Sgt Quigley on 0845 6060247 quoting the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12090172354.