Callum Rycroft, 12, named as victim of M62 hit-and-run as man charged

Police have named the 12-year-old boy killed in a hit-and-run while trying to cross a major motorway.

Callum Rycroft was hit by a car on the M62 eastbound between Junctions 25 and 26 near Cleckheaton, in West Yorkshire, at around 9.50pm on Saturday, 5 August.

His body was found on the westbound carriageway but the driver failed to stop.

Matthew Rycroft, 36, of Nowell View, Leeds will appear before Leeds Magistrates Court tomorrow (August 8) charged with causing/allowing the death of a child.

He was also charged with failing to provide a specimen.

In a statement, Callum's mother said: "Callum was a beautiful happy soul who was unique, great fun and larger than life.

“Callum had a massive impact on everyone who met him. The house is so quiet without him here. 

“We are devastated at what has happened and request that people respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time. 

"We are very grateful for the support and kind comments we have received.”

A 47-year-old man from the Bolton area was earlier arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police had received earlier reports at around 9.30pm that an Audi Q5 had crashed on the slip road to Hartshead Services.

There were subsequent reports of two people walking along the motorway immediately before the boy was hit by a Toyota C-HR car.

West Yorkshire Police say they believe Callum was trying to make his way to the hard shoulder from the central reservation.

A man was found on the hard shoulder of the motorway and was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Officers are appealing for dashcam footage of the black Toyota C-HR, which had sustained damage to its front and windscreen.

The car is believed to have travelled from the Chain Bar roundabout along Whitehall Road (A58) towards the junction with Westfield Lane between 9.50pm and 10.30pm.

Det Ch Sup Int Sarah Jones said: "We continue to conduct a number of enquiries into this dreadful incident and to support the victim’s family.

"A man, believed to be driving the Toyota C-HR which failed to stop after it was in collision with the victim, has now been arrested and will be questioned about the incident.

"As part of our enquiries we are appealing for anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage of the Toyota C-HR’s movements after the collision with the child to contact us."

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