Boy, 10, arrested after man dies in road crash

A 10-YEAR-OLD boy in Britain has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of a man in a road crash, it was disclosed yesterday.

A boy of nine has also been “spoken to” in connection with the death of Michael Baker, 47, who was a passenger in a recovery truck which collided with a lorry on the A20 near the Swanley interchange in Kent at about 10.40am on Saturday.

He died in hospital while the recovery truck’s driver received treatment for a leg injury, but has now been discharged.

Baker, from Littlehampton, West Sussex, had been picked up by the recovery truck as he had earlier been in a crash in his own car on the M25.

Kent Police said youngsters were standing at the side of the London-bound carriageway at the time of the second incident.

As the lorry drove past, the driver saw something hit the windscreen, cab and side of the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the road.

While the lorry was stationary, the recovery truck hit it.

A police spokesman said: “A 10-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident and has been bailed while inquiries continue.”

Chief Inspector Adrian Futers said: “This group of young people were standing at a spot that we frequently send patrols to because youngsters hang around near the road and there have been previous reports of things being thrown at vehicles.

“We have spoken or will be speaking to the people who we know go to this location but we want information about everyone who hangs around there and specifically who was there on Saturday morning.

“I would like parents and carers to ask youngsters where they were on Saturday and come forward if they have information.

“It goes without saying that no one should ever think it is a joke to distract drivers or throw anything at vehicles. Sadly one family in particular understand this only too well.”

He said officers have already spoken to a number of people but are still appealing for others to come forward with information.

Officers are also investigating a report of criminal damage to the windscreen of a white Mercedes Sprinter van travelling along the same section of the A20 at about 10.30am.

The van’s driver reported that the glass was smashed by a piece of stone larger than a tennis ball.