A community was today united in shock and grief after a six-year-old boy was killed in a tragic accident just behind his home.

Adil Khan is believed to have died in the arms of his grief-stricken father after the boy was in collision with a delivery van. The boy’s grandfather collapsed from shock at the scene of the accident as desperate attempts were made to save Adil’s life.

Residents in the area said a fruit and vegetable van had been parked in a narrow back street off Boynton Street, West Bowling, Bradford.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the tragedy, which happened just before 5pm on Wednesday.

They confirmed a boy had died in Bradford Royal Infirmary after he was in collision with a Ford Transit van on an access road between Boynton Street and Ryan Street.

Inspector Zahid Khan, Neighbourhood Policing Team inspector for West Bowling, said: “We are making sure we can get as many witnesses together as possible to find out what has happened.”

Insp Khan said it was a terrible tragedy that had affected the community in a big way.

He said: “I know the boy’s father. I went to school with him. The family is well respected in the community. They have lived here all their lives.”

Insp Khan has visited the family home on Boynton Street to offer help and support.

He said that elders in the close-knit community were on hand to offer comfort and advice.

Councillor Sher Khan (Lab, Little Horton) went to Bradford Royal Infirmary to be with the family when he heard about the accident.

Coun Khan said the tragedy appeared to have involved a van selling fruit and vegetables.

“My heart goes out to the family. I have known them for 30 years. The boy’s grandfather is a very good friend of mine,” he said.

Coun Khan said Adil’s father, Waheed Khan, was devastated after losing his only son.

“The family is grief stricken. His father cannot take it in,” he said.

Coun Khan said Adil died in his father’s arms and added that Adil’s devoted grandfather collapsed at the scene with shock.

“He was such a precious little boy. An only son. He was his father’s life,” he said.

A local man, who rushed to the accident scene to see if he could help, said: “There were police cars and ambulances. I could see something very serious had happened.

“I later found out that a little boy had died. It is a terrible tragedy.”

Coun Khan said a large number of mourners attended Adil's funeral service at the Madni mosque, West Bowling, last night, with friends and relatives travelling from around the UK to pay their respects.

Anyone who saw the collision is asked to contact PC 1819 Andrew Barron at Bradford South Roads Policing on 0845 60 60 606.