Owen Wightman killed by hit and run driver
Owen Wightman killed by hit and run driver Reuters

The family of a six year old boy who was hit and left to die on the road by a hit and run motorist have pleaded for the driver to turn himself in. Owen Wightman was hit as he was playing in Fishpond Lane in the Chapelthorne area of Wakefield on Saturday afternoon; less than half a mile from his home.

His mother Joanne and Neil Wightman found their lifeless son on the road and could not believe anyone could drive away after committing such a crime. In an emotional interview, Owen's father Neil pleaded for the driver and anyone with any information to contact the possible immediately. He said: "We would like to say to whoever has done this, please come forward because he has left two brothers behind," Mrs Wightman told the Yorkshire Post.

The callous and cowardly act has infuriated the family further after reports emerged that the driver got out and inspected his car for damage not 200 yards away from where their son had been hit. The driver is said to have got out of his car a short distance away and inspected his bonnet for damage before speeding off. Owen's horrified best friend watched the tragedy unfold and then alerted the boy's parents.

Owen's grieving parents have released further details of the incident to appeal to both the driver and one who has any information as to who killed their son Owen. His mother Joanne has said: "A car has come and hit Owen as he was crossing the road. A woman who was passing saw Mason and then brought him to us to let us know what had happened. Mason said a car had come zooming down the hill and it hit Owen in to the air and knocked his shoes off.

Mrs Wightman, who has two other sons, Jack, 12, and Thomas, one, said: "Owen was playing with his best friend, Mason Boardman. They had gone to call for another friend.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Bottomley said: "At this stage we believe the driver was a young, white male and the vehicle is likely to have front end damage from the collision."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 0845 6060606.