A young boy has been killed in an accident involving a truck on a main road in the Bradford district.

Police were called at 1.09pm to Valley Road, in Shipley, which was closed for accident investigation work until it reopened at 6.45 tonight.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance also attended.

The incident, which involved a white Scania tipper truck, happened close to The Bradford Hotel.

The boy, who is understood to be almost three, is believed to have gone in to the road between parked vehicles, police said.

Neighbours at flats on Valley Road spoke of their shock and devastation following the tragedy.

Mark and Rebecca Craven described the boy as "full of energy".

Mr Craven, 24,  said: "He was very happy and always said good morning and hello to us.

"He played with our son and he would let our son play on his toy car. He was a really lovely little boy.

"He had a bright smile on his face whenever we saw him. He used to wave and say hello."

POLICE PROBE CONTINUES INTO HOW TWO-YEAR-OLD BOY WAS KILLED BY LORRY ON BUSY SHIPLEY ROAD

Mrs Craven, 26, said she was upset for his relatives.

"It is devastating and heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the family,” she added.

Mr Craven said the boy had been playing happily at the rear of the flats shortly before the incident.

"We are both in shock and haven't eaten. We can't get over the devastation.

"I keep thinking of the little boy and our own boy who is the same age, two- and-a-half."

Mr Craven said the boy's mum and nana were kind and caring people who had often helped them carry shopping and prams up two flights of stairs to their own flat on valley road.

"We got to be really close friends with the mum and nana. They are good neighbours," he added.

A female neighbour who asked not to be named said: "I've got a little one about that age. I feel so sorry for the parents."

Shortly before 6pm, a West Yorkshire Police spokesman said a number of road closures remained in place.

Specialist officers continue to examine the scene of the collision to determine the full circumstances of what happened.

Sergeant Ann Drury of the Major Collision Enquiry Team said: "Clearly, the scale and severity of this incident has caused significant disruption to commuters and the communities in Bradford, and I continue to thank people for their patience and understanding whilst we continue to conduct our investigation.

"I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area around 1.10pm this afternoon, and may have seen either the vehicle, or the young boy prior to the incident, or who witnessed the collision itself to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team via 101.

One witness, who asked not to be named said his partner heard a loud bang.

"I was talking to an old man who lived on the same street [Valley Road] who said that he [the boy] was chasing a dog apparently," he added.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The scene of the accident in Shipley

Paul Chapman, who lives on Valley Road, said: "It's shocking.

"You don't expect something like this to happen on your doorstep.

"I've lived here for six years and never seen anything like this.

"There were police cars and ambulances here straight away."

A member of staff at nearby Carpets Direct said: “It happened just passed us, up and over the rise in the road. 

“I saw lots of police, there were sirens here there and everywhere, and then I saw the air ambulance land. 

“It is very sad news.”

 

Congestion is building up on surrounding routes as a result of the road closure and Metro and Transdev Keighley are reporting delays.

Check the latest traffic and travel news HERE. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

 Police investigating the accident scene in Valley Road, Shipley

Police were also called to a separate incident this afternoon in Manningham where a woman suffered serious head injuries.