A young child has died after being hit by a van in a horror incident near Bournemouth. The collision happened just before 2pm on Friday, April 11, on Cutlers Place near the junction with Middlehill Road in Colehill, close to Wimborne.

The child, a pedestrian, was hit by a Ford Transit van. Emergency services rushed to the scene and despite their efforts, the boy was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers, Dorset Police confirmed. Emergency responders, including an air ambulance, two double-crewed land ambulances, a critical care car, and an operations officer, were all sent to the area.

The South Western Ambulance Service said they were called at 1.51pm and attended with multiple resources.

One eyewitness described seeing a large number of emergency vehicles at the scene as crews worked to assist.

Following the incident, road closures were put in place to allow for a full investigation. 

Inspector Joe Wheable, from the roads policing team, said: “First and foremost our thoughts and hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young child who very sadly died in this collision.

“We are continuing to carry out a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone who may have captured relevant dashcam footage, to please make contact with us.

“Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during the road closures.”

Dorset Police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses can contact them online at www.dorset.police.uk, email scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or call 101, quoting reference 11:266.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers via crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.