An 11-year-old boy who died after being hit by a bus has been named as his family released a heartbreaking picture of him.
Lucas Ashton was riding his bike when he was knocked down in Vernon Street, Bolton, on Friday afternoon (December 30).
Police attended the horror incident and Lucas was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. GMP’s specialist officers continue to support Lucas’s family and loved ones.
Greater Manchester Police said the bus driver was 'assisting officers with enquiries' following the tragic incident. No arrests have been made.
On Saturday, residents living near to the scene told the Manchester Evening News that the community had been left shocked and devastated by Lucas's death.
Leoni Johnson said she witnessed the aftermath of the horrific crash and described hearing the 'awful' screams of who she believed to be the boy's mum.
She said she 'couldn't watch' as the road became flooded with emergency services. Leoni said: "I went to the shop and by the time I came back the road was flooded with police.
"There were riot vans in the back street. I heard the mum screaming, crying. It was awful.
"I’m a mum too so I couldn’t watch, I had to come inside. We found out on the news that he had passed away. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare."
She said children in the area regularly ride their bikes along Vernon Street and other roads in the area. "There are so many little kids that play up here, mine included,” she added.
"It’s a shame. It’s just been Christmas and it’s New Year’s Eve today. I can’t imagine what that family is going through."
Another resident said the incident had shocked the local community. "It’s absolutely devastating," she said.
"It was really eerie and sad yesterday. Even before we knew he had passed away, you just knew.
"There was a bad feeling. It’s quite a close-knit community.
"Everyone knows everyone around here. It’s shocked the area. You just don’t think something like this will happen on your door step."
Floral tributes to Lucas have been left at the scene of the crash. A note on one of the bunches read: "Fly high with the angels. Sleep well beautiful. Always in our thoughts."
Officers are continuing to appeal to members of the public - particularly passengers who were on the bus in question - to please make contact.
If you have any information about this incident - or footage - please call GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) on 0161 856 4741 or 0161 856 8802. You can also make a report via www.gmp.police.uk or through the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously – on 0800 555 111.
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