Reward over fatal hit-and-run

Sam Walker was on his way to his grandmother's house

Police are offering a £10,000 reward in their hunt for a hit-and-run driver who knocked over and killed a five-year-old boy.

Sam Walker was walking with his mother, sister and cousin in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, when he was hit by the car.

The accident happened at the junction of Hardy Lane and Barlow Moor Road on 9 February, just after 1300 BST.

Sam's mother, Jackie Thomson, 35, is appealing for the driver to come forward and says his death has "ripped all our lives apart".

Sam was hit by a silver Mitsubishi Galant, which then tuned on to Hardy Lane, and Burrows Lane, before it was abandoned on Riverside Drive.

Ms Thomson's daughter, Aimee Walker, 12, and five-year-old Faye Lim were uninjured in the accident.

For our sake and for Sam, we need to see justice done

Jackie Thomson
Sam's mother

Ms Thomson said: "The day was so normal, I've lived here for 20 years and crossed that road a million times.

"The car came out of nowhere, it felt like whichever way we moved it went the same way. I felt completely helpless.

"Sam's death has ripped all our lives apart.

"He was so bright, chatty and friendly, our little Prince, our Angel.

Estate appeal

"If the people who've done this or anyone who knows who's done this has a heart, please talk to the police, don't keep it to yourselves.

"For our sake and for Sam we need to see justice done."

Police are putting up appeal posters over the accident in shops, libraries and public areas.

Inspector Ian Hales, of Greater Manchester Police, said he hoped the reward would prompt people to come forward with information.

He added: "Sam's death was a tragedy, but we believe there will be someone in the local area or the Merseybank estate who will help us find the people responsible."