Motorists saw boys' last moments

The boys were trying to get back to their homes, the inquest heard

The families of two young boys who were killed trying to cross a Cheshire motorway on scooters have heard from motorists who saw their final moments.

Kieran Coupe, seven, and Guy Davies, six, were struck by three cars on the M56 close to their homes in Murdishaw, Runcorn, an inquest was told.

Warrington Coroner's Court heard the pair died instantly on the westbound carriageway at Preston Brook in 2007.

One driver said she screamed as she saw a scooter wheel fly into the air.

Giving evidence on the opening day of the hearing, the woman said she had pulled on to the hard shoulder to call the emergency services when she saw the small wheel and realised what had happened.

Another motorist described seeing one of the boys fall as he reached the central reservation.

The inquest was told how the boys had been in nearby woodland when it grew dark and they tried to return to Blythe Close, where they both lived.

Kieran's father, Colin Lambert, described his son as an "adventurer".

The hearing continues.