M62 Cleckheaton: Police confirm boy, 12, dies after being hit by vehicle in 'absolutey tragic' crash near Leeds

Detectives have now shed new light on the crash close to Hartshead Moor Services, Cleckheaton, which led to the motorway being closed for more than 11 hours overnight.

The boy was hit by a vehicle on the eastbound carriageway of the M62, between junctions 25 and 26, at about 9.50pm yesterday (Saturday), police said in a statement issued today.

Police said the vehicle did not stop at the scene after the incident.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Jones said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident that has resulted in the death of a young boy. We have specialist officers supporting his family at this extremely difficult time.

“We understand that he was trying to make his way from the central reservation to the hard shoulder when he has been hit by a vehicle. The driver of this vehicle has not stopped at the scene or reported this collision to the police, and I would urge them to come forward now and assist us in our enquiries."

The statement said police had received earlier reports, at about 9.30pm, of a one-vehicle collision involving an Audi Q5 on the slip road to Hartshead Services. There were subsequent reports made just before the crash on the eastbound carriageway of the M62 of two people walking along the motorway.