School pays tribute to ‘super lad’ killed by fleeing driver

Bilal Raffey Khizar, 12, was struck by a red Seat Ibiza which seconds earlier had been stopped by police in a lay-by on Rooley Lane on Saturday night.

Bradford Academy executive principal, Gareth Dawkins, said: “The tragic loss of Bilal Khizar on Saturday night is a devastating blow for everyone connected with this beautiful and unique boy.

“Everyone at Bradford Academy, and indeed everyone in the community we serve, is grieving for Bilal, and for his family and his friends.

“Pupils, staff and parents are united in grief over the tragic event this weekend, and we will be doing our utmost to console Bilal’s two other brothers, Aafacq (Year 12) and Zain (Year 10) and his sister Neha (Year 1) who are pupils here, as well as the all the other children and staff who knew, loved and respected Bilal.

“It is exceedingly difficult for our pupils to understand that Bilal was taken away from them while doing an everyday, routine task. “He was a super and capable young lad, his future was wide open for him. He did what he should, crossing a road where he should. His tragic death will touch everyone in the community.”

Detectives have been given further time by Magistrates to question a 21 year old man and a 21 year old woman arrested in connection with the fatal road traffic collision.

Anyone who saw the incident or who saw the car being driven are asked to contact police on the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.