Parents of child, 7, killed in crash in Folkestone pay tribute to 'sweetest boy in the world'

• ITV News Meridian's Harry Acton has this report.

The parents of a seven-year-old boy who died in a crash in Folkestone, Kent, have paid tribute to him.

William Brown died following a collision involving an unidentified car or van and a red Citroen car on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade near its junction with Prospect Road on Wednesday (6 December).

The unidentified vehicle left the scene and a man was later arrested.

William's parents have described him as 'a beautiful boy who is so soft and gentle'. They are appealing to the driver of the car involved to come forward.

Speaking to ITV Meridian William's mother, Laura Brown said: "My son was the sweetest boy in the world.

"Will was kind, funny, and so soft and gentle."

Father William Brown said: "Once we know what happened, we can bury our son in peace.

"Nothing was a drama with Will. If her were here now, he'd be sat here saying 'come on guys, it's happened, but I'll see you in heaven dad.'"

An earlier appeal for witnesses to the collision by Kent Police remains active, officers confirmed.

A 49-year-old man from the Dymchurch area was arrested and taken into custody on Thursday.

A Kent Police Spokesperson said: "Officers have asked anyone who witnessed the collision, or who saw either the victim or vehicles in the moments leading up to it, to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference MM/DGC/130/23. You can also email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk

"Drivers are also asked to check dashcams or CCTV for any footage that may assist the investigation.

"This includes footage in the area prior to and after the incident."

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