The family of 12-year-old boy who was sadly killed in a hit-and-run while trying to cross the M62 motorway over the weekend have paid tribute to him.
The boy has been named as Callum Rycroft from Leeds.
Paying tribute to her son, Callum’s mother described him as “a beautiful happy soul” who was “unique, great fun, and larger than life”.
She explained that he always brought “light, laughter, and noise into any room”, which led him to having a “massive impact on everyone who met him” – adding that “the house is so quiet without him here”.
“We are devastated at what has happened,” she continued in her tribute.
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“We are very grateful for the support and kind comments we have received… [but we] request that people respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time”.
A 12-year-old boy who died following a collision on the M62 has been named as Callum Rycroft.
Officers have tonight charged Matthew Rycroft, 36, with causing/allowing the death of a child and failing to provide a specimen.
— West Yorkshire Police (@WestYorksPolice) August 7, 2023
The family tributes paid to Callum come as officers are continuing enquiries into the collision in which a Toyota C-HR car struck the 12-year-old on the eastbound carriageway of the M62, between junctions 25 and 26 near Cleckheaton, at around 9:50pm this past Saturday (5 August).
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As previously disclosed by West Yorkshire Police, it’s believed Callum had been walking on the motorway with a man after an earlier collision involving an Audi Q5 on the slip road to Hartshead Moor services.
No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in that collision.
A 47-year-old male from Bolton – who was the driver of the Toyota – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving earlier yesterday, but he has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
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Were you on the M62 between junctions 25 and 26 last night?
A 12-year-old boy has died after being struck by a vehicle. The driver didn't stop at the scene and we need to identify them.
— West Yorkshire Police (@WestYorksPolice) August 6, 2023
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Matthew Rycroft, of Nowell View in Leeds, will also appear before Leeds Magistrates Court after previously being arrested, and then subsequently charged, with causing/allowing the death of a child in an incident.
He was also charged with failing to provide a specimen.
Police are continuing to appeal, and asking anyone who was driving along the M62 between Hartshead Moor and the M606 on Saturday night between 9:30pm and 9:50pm, to check any dashcam footage they may have of this incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team by using 101 Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting log 1786 of 5 August.
Featured Image – West Yorkshire Police
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
8th August 2023 
