A 13-year-old boy has died after fighting for his life in hospital for more than a fortnight.

The young cyclist, named locally as Jake Day, was seriously injured in a collision with a blue Mini Cooper saloon, at the junction of Leeds Road and Muffit Lane, Heckmondwike, on February 23.

Police have confirmed that he has sadly died in hospital, with his local school describing the news as "devastating."

The driver of the car was spoken with and police are continuing to appeal for witnesses. 

Co-op Academy Smithies Moor, on Old Road, Heckmondwike, issued a letter to parents after Jake's passing. 

The letter said: "As an Academy, we are so sad to have to share the devastating news that a brother of a child in our school has died over the weekend. 

"Many people in the community may be aware that there was a road traffic accident involving a teenage boy a few weeks ago where the air ambulance was in attendance. 

"Unfortunately Jake Day sadly passed away in his sleep due to complications over the weekend.

"Family have asked that people avoid rumours around this sad time on social media and that they wished to be respected and allowed the chance to grieve in peace as a family."

The school told year 6 pupils the news and offerred them support as per request of the family. 

Year 6 pupils and staff will be making a card for his sister. 

The letter added: "Our thoughts are with Jake's family at this difficult time and all that knew him."

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police have been informed that a 13-year-old boy seriously injured in a collision in Heckmondwike on Thursday, February 23 has now sadly died in hospital.

"Enquiries remain ongoing by the Major Collision and Enquiry Team into the collision which took place at about 1.25pm after a blue Mini Cooper saloon and the male cyclist were in collision at the junction of Leeds Road and Muffit Lane, Heckmondwike.

"The driver of the car was spoken with.

"We continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone who saw the collision, or who has footage that will assist is asked to contact MCET on 101 or via the 101LiveChat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.  The log reference is 0767 of 23 February."