Coventry crash police tell suspect ‘do the right thing’

People who may have helped a man being hunted by police after a hit-and-run crash that killed Keaton Slater, 12, have been urged “do the right thing and reveal what you know”.

Keaton, a big Coventry City fan, died on Friday in Radford Road, leading to shock and sadness in the city.

Now police searching for suspect Dolars Aleksanders, have said “we are asking everyone to think about what this would be like if it happened to your family”.

England star Ashley Maddison, who has promoted a fundraising page for Keaton’s family, said: “As a father I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through.”

“Keaton was a young boy enjoying his life. As a football fan, he would no doubt have enjoyed cheering on England last night,” Supt Paul Joyce said.

Keaton died after being struck by a car at 16:30 BST on Friday, in Radford Road, Coventry.

Dozens of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the crash and one resident told the BBC it was “gutting” for the family and the community.

West Midlands Police has urged the public “to do the right thing and come forward with anything which could help in our inquiries”.

A Just Giving page set up to help Keaton’s family has already raised nearly £40,000.

England star James Maddison is among people who shared the page on his social media accounts.

“As a father I can’t even begin to imagine what they are going through, so let’s try and pull together to help Keaton’s family when they need us most,” he wrote.

Coventry City Football Club have said they have been “deeply saddened” by Keaton’s death.

Supt Paul Joyce said investigators were “determined to do everything we can to achieve justice for Keaton and his family”.

“We are asking everyone to think about what this would be like if it happened to your family and do the right thing and tell us what you know,” he said.

“Keaton was a young boy enjoying his life. As a football fan, he would no doubt have enjoyed cheering on England last night, but for his life to be cruelly taken away like this is heartbreaking.”

An abandoned black BMW in New Arley was seized by officers later the same evening.

In a statement, City said: “Keaton was a huge Coventry City supporter and the thoughts and condolences of everyone at [the club] and the entire Sky Blue community are with Keaton’s family and friends at this awful time for them.”

And Cardinal Newman Catholic School, where Keaton was a pupil, said its students and community would be supported over the coming days by additional counsellors, lay chaplains and staff.

“We are all shocked and saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Keaton Slater, one of our students,” said head teacher, Emma O’Connor.

“Keaton was a beautiful, fun loving, popular student, who joined us in September from St Augustine’s primary school, we will all miss him, his incredible smile and his wonderful sense of humour.”