Nationwide appeal launched following death smash

A nationwide hunt has been launched for the driver of a lorry involved in a hit-and-run incident in which a young boy died.

Ten-year-old Harry Luke Simcox, from the Milton Keynes area, died after the lorry struck the Peugeot he was travelling in on the A303 near Thruxton shortly before 2pm on August 31. The impact caused the car to spin off the road and collide with a stationary yellow low loader lorry which was parked in a lay-by at the side of the road.

The boy's father sustained serious head injuries and is still in a serious but stable condition at Salisbury District Hospital.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary's Road Death Investigation Team are keen to identify the lorry, which is believed to have had a white cab, blue sides and back. The vehicle may have had some form of lettering on a plate attached to the rear of the lorry.

The lorry is believed to have turned off of the A303 at the A338 turning towards Tidworth, but officers are unsure of its next movements.

Harry's family last week joined together to issue an emotional appeal for help.

His mother, Jo Flounders, his step mum Debs Simcox and step dad Chris Flounders said that Harry had been a "special and wonderful boy".

In a joint statement, they added: "We know that the driver involved isn't going to be able to live with themselves. We want to find who was involved in this collision so we can come to terms with what has happened.

"For the lorry driver, you know you were involved in the collision. You may not know that Harry died. If anyone knows who the lorry driver was, or has any information that could help, we would urge them to come forward."

Investigators said that they were pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.

Sergeant Andy Timms added: "We are appealing to haulage firms, transport managers, and anyone in connection with the industry to be alert for a lorry with a white cab and blue back and sides, which may have fresh damage to the front, or whose driver may be acting differently, to come forward.

"We need the industry to help us, to put a closure on the enquiry. Your assistance and any information, no matter how small, may be the last piece of the jigsaw we require."

Anyone with information about the collision or the vehicle involved is asked to contact police or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(gmcg/mb)