Boy aged two died after street accident

Ghulame Mustafa Balal died in hospital after suffering head and internal injuries in an accident outside a relative's house in Charles Street, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, in August.

The boy may have been chasing after a tennis ball while playing with young relatives, aged nine and 13, whom he was visiting from Birmingham with his parents.

Van driver Craig Murgatroyd told police that as he drove down Charles Street he became aware of a girl on his left who ran into the road to retrieve a tennis ball.

He said he had slowed down and moved the vehicle to the right of the narrow terraced street.

He told police investigators that he did not see a boy run out from his right but heard a bang and then saw a little boy lying in the road.

Accident investigator Pc Mark Lingard told the inquest in Huddersfield that it was likely that Mr Murgatroyd was passing the boy just as he ran out.

Parked cars on both sides of the road meant that pedestrians could not easily be seen.

Pc Lingard said he did not believe that the van was travelling over the 30mph speed limit.

West Yorkshire Coroner Roger Whittaker told Mr Murgatroyd that he should not blame himself for the "tragic accident".

"I am satisfied from Mr Murgatroyd's evidence he was driving slowly and that he slowed when he saw the girl to his left and a tennis ball.

"He was not expecting anybody to come from the right hand side. The little boy came out so quickly."

Mr Whittaker said it was clear that the boy had run into the road without warning and without being prevented.

He recorded a verdict of accidental death.