Father’s tearful tribute to son, five, killed in tragic family car ‘game’

Harry Patterson, of Alltwen, near Pontardawe, S outh Wales, is believed to have released the hand brake of the silver Seat car after clambering inside.

It is thought he leapt out in panic, hitting his head as the car rolled down the steep incline, causing what proved to be a fatal injury.

Brother Dylan, seven, watched in horror from the front porch of the family home where they had been playing together moments before.

Parents Michelle and Christian Patterson, both actors, are said to be inconsolable by neighbours struggling to come to terms with the death.

Mr Patterson later paid a tearful tribute to his son, standing just feet from where the tragedy unfolded at 5.45pm yesterday.

Describing his son as “brilliant” he said that Harry had ambitions of being a chef when he grew up.

“I think he would have grown up to be anything he wanted to be,” he said as he held up a picture of Harry.

“At the moment he wanted to be a chef and I’m sure he would have achieved that.”

He added that Harry was a happy child who, when asked to write down any concerns during a recent school lesson, had written “nothing”.

Harry’s brother Dylan is understood to have shouted to his mother who rushed outside moments after the tragedy struck.

A red Nissan Micra, usually driven by Mrs Patterson, was parked on a hard standing at the top of the family’s drive yesterday.

The silver Seat is thought to have been parked behind it on a steep incline leading down to a quiet road fronted by fields.

Harry was airlifted to hospital yesterday evening and was later pronounced dead.

Police inquiries are continuing.