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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Sir David Jason set for TV return in Only Fools and Horses documentary Christmas special
Danny Jones
In a surprise bit of festive news, the only and only Sir David Jason is returning for an Only Fools and Horses Christmas special this December. Lovely jubbly!
The best-loved and most-watched British comedy of all time will be back on our screens in documentary form this festive season, with Del Boy himself David Jason revisiting the iconic comedy character after 20 years he last played him on screen.
While the legendary sitcom was broadcast on BBC back in the day, the highly-anticipated Only Fools doc will be airing on Channel 5 right before Christmas as a special one-off programme.
Looking back on the show’s incredible run on UK screens over seven series and the several ‘Christmas Cracker’ specials, specifically, the latest Only Fools and Horses documentary will see Jason and a number of other guests appearing to chat about the legendary show.
The release date of the Only Fools special Christmas documentary is yet to be announced.
While it’s still unclear how many of the original cast will be appearing, Jason’s on-screen wife Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel) is confirmed to be appearing along with other special guests including newscaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Bendiorm‘s Sherrie Hewson.
Sadly, a full theatrical reunion just isn’t on the cards following the deaths of Roger Lloyd Pack (Trigger), Kenneth MacDonald (Mike the Landlord) and Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert) in the 30 years since the show ended its run.
Only Fools writer John Sullivan also sadly passed away aged 64 in 2011 and fellow co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst, a.k.a. Rodney Trotter, told Metro: “We can’t. John is no longer with us. John was the driving force of the show and we have also lost quite a few cast members now.
“I don’t think I could do it without them and I certainly couldn’t do it without John. At the risk of depressing everyone, I think the last two times I’ve seen David has been at funerals.”
Simply entitled, ‘The Story Of Only Fools And Horses At Christmas’, the 90-minute special is yet to have its broadcast date fully confirmed but you best keep your eyes peeled on the TV guide — we’ll let you know as soon we do.
Jason, 81, has only just recovered from hip surgery earlier this year, so it’ll be nice to see his familiar grin back on our screens.
Right, we’re off to binge a whole series on UK Gold.
Habas restaurant in Manchester announces shock closure – with huge closing-down discount
Daisy Jackson
Habas, the Middle Eastern restaurant launched by the team behind El Gato Negro, has announced its shock closure.
The subterranean restaurant will be going out with a bang though, promising one last knees-up with a big discount.
Habas will be doing 25% off its entire food and drink menu this New Year’s Eve so that fans of the eatery can raise a glass to the Manchester restaurant.
They’re also hoping that Mancs will raise a glass to new beginnings, teasing a brand new concept.
Habas is located at Brown Street in Manchester city centre and has been serving up its Middle Eastern menu since 2021.
It comes from Mills Hill Developments Limited, the company also responsible for El Gato Negro and Canto, fronted by celebrated chef Simon Shaw.
Habas has stressed that its closure ‘is not forever’ as it announces details of its New Year’s Eve closing down party.
You can ring in the new year with a selection of mezze dishes, sharing platters and small plates, feasting on chicken tagine and traditional tzatziki, all 25% off on Sunday 31 December.
Food at Habas in ManchesterInside Habas, ManchesterFood at Habas in Manchester
Drinks, too, like the cranberry elderflower martini, blackberry ginger smash and clementine daquiri will be with 25% off.
Simon Shaw, Chef Parton at Mills Hill Developments Limited, said: “As of January 2024, we have made the decision to close the doors of Habas Bar & Restaurant, however we are thrilled to announce that our Brown Street venue has an exciting new concept on the way.
“Throughout December, Habas, will continue serving up the city’s best middle-eastern cuisine, so make sure you pop in and see us. AND on New Year’s Eve, Habas, will be hosting an unforgettable celebration with 25% off food and drinks. We want to rejoice with all of our customers, with one final hurrah!
“We would like to thank all of our guests and reassure Habas fans that this is not the end of Habas Bar & Restaurant forever, simply a farewell from Brown Street for now.
“We look forward to welcoming you to our new exciting concept in Q1 of 2024.”
Emily Sergeant -
8th August 2023 
