Keaton Slater: Man arrested in fatal hit-and-run

A man has been arrested over a hit-and-run crash that killed a 12-year-old boy in Coventry.

The 21-year-old suspect was detained by police at an address in the city just before 04:00 BST on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Keaton Slater died when he was hit by a black BMW at 4.30pm on June 14 on Radford Road.

West Midlands Police are continuing to appeal for help to find Dolars Aleksanders, 21, who is also wanted on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Police believe there were four people in the car at the time of the crash, but Inspector Sam Lewis, of the West Midlands force, said the main suspect remains at large.

“Our efforts remain focused on finding and arresting Dolars Alexsanders,” he said.

Detectives seized a black BMW that was found abandoned Friday night in New Arley and said the vehicle is currently being forensically examined.

Police said one of the occupants of the BMW was treated as a witness, while another was voluntarily interviewed and released under investigation.

“We continue to support Keaton’s family at this time and they and the officers have been touched by the huge outpouring of support there has been since Friday,” Inspector Lewis said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Alexsanders has been asked to call 999 urgently.

After Keaton’s death, tributes poured in for the avid Coventry City fan, with dozens of flowers left at the scene of the accident.

One resident told the BBC he was “gutted” for the family and community.

England midfielder James Maddison, who promoted a fundraising page for Keaton’s family, said: “As a father I can’t even begin to imagine what I’m going through.”

The web page set up to help Keaton’s family has already raised almost £44,000.

Coventry City Football Club said it was “deeply saddened” by Keaton’s death.

In a statement, the club said: “Keaton was a great supporter of Coventry 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 terrible time for them.”