AN outpouring of grief has been shown by friends, family and community members after a nine-year-old boy named locally as George was killed by a hit and run driver on Friday, evening near Eastburn.

The youngster and another pedestrian had been hit in Sutton Lane, near the turning for Knott Lane, just before the sign for Sutton-in-Craven.

Emergency services including an air and land ambulance and two doctors were called shortly before 9.30pm.

Despite heroic efforts by medical staff, the youngster died at the scene.

It was reported that a white van was in collision with the boy and another pedestrian, who suffered minor injuries, before making off from the scene.

A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after voluntarily going to a North Yorkshire police station.

He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

A swathe of floral tributes have been left at the roadside where the accident happened, all paying tribute to the popular youngster.

Some highlighted his obvious love of dinosaurs.

One of the notes read: “Rest in peace, little dinosaur man,” while another read: “George, thank you for being such a special friend. I will miss you.”

Another from a family member said: “Our hearts are broken. We will love and miss you eternally, Gorgeous Georgie.

Another read: “Such a clever, happy, funny boy who we will never forget. You were taken away from us far too soon.”

A card was left at the scene for his close family. It read: “Our hearts pour out with sadness on such tragic news. Everybody in the community is thinking of you and your family.”

More flowers were being laid at the scene today by mourners with small groups gathering to pay their respects. One person even left a mobile phone with their flowers suggesting they would always be connected.

Several vehicles passing the spot slowed down as a mark of respect while one woman with small children in the car wound the window down and blew a kiss towards the tributes.

Sutton Mill resident Allan Midgley said he heard the emergency services attending the scene of the accident on Friday night.

He said it was a dangerous road because it went deceptively narrow.

“Something needs to be done about that area of the road. It’s not the first time accidents have happened there and there have been a lot of near misses with other traffic.,” he said.

“I was on a bus a couple of months ago when it hit a car there; almost a the same spot. It is such a tragic incident.”

Craven Ward councillor Rebecca Whitaker is keen to talk about what can be done to make Sutton Lane safer in the future.

She said: “I was extremely saddened to hear of this incident when police called me late Friday evening.

“Any loss is a tragedy but particularly so when it involves the death of a young child.

“My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy go the family at this incredibly sad time.

“Police have arrested someone on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and are keeping me updated on the case.

“I will be speaking with the Principal Highway Officer to discuss any safety measures for this narrow country lane which lies on the boundary of the Craven Ward.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses following the incident.

Detective Sergeant Fiona Allan, of West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “A nine-year-old boy has tragically lost his life and our top priority is supporting his family and ensuring that a thorough investigation is carried out into the events that have led to his death.

“This collision has happened right on the border of West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who has witnessed this collision or who believes they may have seen the van involved immediately prior to or following this incident.”

A file is expected to be passed to the coroner. In the meantime police are trying to piece together the circumstances leading to the tragedy and will issue and update as soon as they are able.

Information can be passed to the Major Collision Enquiry Team via 101 or 101 Live Chat on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting crime reference 13210474457.