POLICE are appealing for the occupants of four vehicles who may have seen a York hit-and-run accident to come forward.

Ten-year-old Sean Hamilton was killed on Saturday, October 3, at about 8pm in Holgate Road when he was hit by a blue Ford Transit van.

Police officers investigating the tragedy are now appealing for information relating to four vehicles they know were in Holgate Road about the time of the crash.

The drivers and passengers of the vehicles have still not come forward and police believe they may have vital information. One of the vehicles was a dark-coloured saloon car, similar to the size of a Vauxhall Vectra. Another was a dark-coloured saloon car which is believed to be a private hire car with white plates across the doors A third vehicle was a light-coloured small 4x4 Freelander-type vehicle.

Officers would also like to speak to the occupants of an unidentified vehicle which was travelling out of York behind the Transit van at the time of the accident.

Police said the occupants did stop at the scene but have yet to speak to officers.

In an attempt to get more information about the accident, a team of community support officers from the York Safer Neighbourhood Team were at the scene of the crash on Saturday evening appealing for witnesses and information.

Sean was pronounced dead at York Hospital following the accident and his death unleashed a wave of public sympathy and grief.

His family left a tribute at the scene which read: “You will always be with us.

“Our hearts are broken. God wanted an angel and as usual you were at the front of the queue. All our love, kisses and cuddles, Mum and Dad, KerryAnn, Ryan and Stephanie.”

Five men aged between 16 and 22 and from the York area have since been arrested in connection with the investigation.

They remain on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with any information is asked to phone the Central Road Policing Group on 0845 6060247.

Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


Mourners to wear Man United shirts at funeral

FAMILY and friends of Sean Hamilton will don Manchester United shirts when his funeral takes place later this week.

The shirts, donated by the Football Federation, will be a poignant nod to the football-mad youngster’s favourite team during the service at Our Lady’s Church in Acomb on Friday.

More than 2,200 people have now joined a tribute page set up on social networking site Facebook, where more than 400 messages have been posted remembering Sean, of Linnet Way, Foxwood, who was a pupil at Our Lady’s RC Primary School, in York.

Among the tributes posted is one from Eddie Bedinham who wrote: “R.I.P little fella, I can assure you all the lads at Acorn who have a game this week will be playing for you mate.”

Nicola Wall wrote: “R.I.P Sean. You are in the sky with the stars now Sean looking down on your family. We are thinking of your family at this sad time.”

Family friend Carole Bell said: “Nobody will ever forget you Sean.

“I know your brother Ryan and he is missing you very much just like the rest of the family are. You are with the angels now.”

Vicky Wilson wrote: “You will be missed by everyone. You are up in a good place now angel.”

• On Saturday, Sean’s teammates and senior players with Acorn Rugby League Club lined up for a minute’s silence for Sean, who last year played in the under-tens’ squad and was signed up this year for the under-11s.

His coach, Phil Wyard, said: “Sean was an outstanding prospect to rugby league as he showed no fear in defence and his displays at his favourite position of acting half were second to none. Words fail me when life is taken away at such a tender age.”