A man has been charged by police investigating the death of a seven-year-old boy.

William Brown died when he was hit by two vehicles on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade in Folkestone on December 6.

The incident happened near the route’s junction with Prospect Road.

His heartbroken family, including mum Laura and dad Will, say he was trying to retrieve a football when he was struck close to his home.

However, William was confirmed dead at the scene despite the efforts of police and paramedics who tried to resuscitate him for 40 minutes.

An inquest later found he died after suffering “catastrophic head injuries”.

Officers say the crash involved two vehicles - a grey Peugeot van and a red Citroen car.

The driver of the van was arrested in Dymchurch the following day in connection with the suspected hit-and-run.

It is reported he left the scene in the direction of Hythe before emergency services arrived.

The 49-year-old was later questioned by officers on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.

He was later bailed pending further enquiries by Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Stewart Powell, of St Mary’s Bay, New Romney, has today (May 11) been charged by investigators with one of the offences.

He has been accused of failing to stop following a collision.

Police have also charged him with driving without insurance.

It is alleged that at the time of the collision, although there was insurance in force for the vehicle, it was being driven outside the terms of that policy.

Powell was bailed to appear before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on May 24.

Following his death, William’s devastated dad, who had watched on helplessly during the CPR efforts, paid tribute to his “gentle” and “wonderful child”.

He was laid to rest on January 13 at The Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe - a place he would often go to play with his friends.

King Charles granted special permission for William to be buried at the historic graveyard, which had been shut for burials since 1855 after an order was issued by the Privy Council.

Hundreds of mourners attended, with many lining the streets for the funeral procession through Folkestone, while 10,000 people tuned in to a live stream shared on KentOnline.

Speaking after the service, his mum Laura Brown said it was a wonderful send-off for her son - who was also a pupil at St Eanswythe Primary School in Folkestone.