Man arrested over car death of six-year-old

West Yorkshire Police said yesterday a man from Huddersfield had been arrested and would be interviewed in connection with the death of Owen Wightman.

Owen was hit by a car while out playing with his seven-year-old friend near his home in Wakefield on Saturday.

It is understood that the man arrested is a student, studying in Leeds. Police are continuing to examine a car recovered during their investigations.

Owen died after the accident in the busy Fishpond Road at lunchtime on Saturday.

Officers were last night questioning the suspect.

A team of detectives have also been scrutinising CCTV footage from a passing bus which captured the vehicle involved.

Police said on Monday that a light blue or grey hatchback driven by a lone white male had failed to stop at the scene of the collision.

The car did, however, stop about 100 yards further along the road after taking a left turn into Haveroid Lane where the driver was seen inspecting the front of the vehicle for damage.

Officers said yesterday they have had a “good response” to appeals for help.

A national newspaper has put up a £10,000 reward to be paid for information directly resulting in the conviction of those responsible for Owen’s death, while charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £5,000 for crucial information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

Owen’s parents, Joanne, 33, and Neil, 31, have also appealed for people to come forward with information.

They said: “He was a perfect little man who was taken from us – just perfect in every way.

“He was our bundle of joy and our little ray of sunshine.”

The family said Owen leaves two brothers – Jack, aged 12, and one-year-old Thomas.

Masses of floral tributes and teddy bears have been left at the scene and yesterday, local residents continued to place notes and flowers by the side of the road. Along with flowers and a green, cuddly monkey, Owen’s elder brother Jack left a note which read: “You were the best bro’ ever.

“Even when we used to fight and argu (sic) I still loved you anyway.”