A MAN has been charged with causing the death of a nine-year-old Blackburn schoolboy.

Daisyfield Primary School pupil Adam Limbada died after being hit by a white BMW 4 Series as he crossed Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

Yesterday, Atif Dayaji appeared before Blackburn magistrates accused of causing the youngster's death by dangerous driving on August 4, last year.

Dayaji, of St Stephen's Avenue, Blackburn, did not enter a plea.

He was sent on bail to Preston Crown Court where he will appear before a judge on September 18.

Magistrates were told the incident happened as Adam crossed Whalley New Road near the junction with Plane Street at 10.55pm.

Adam, who lived nearby and was walking to his father, suffered multiple injuries and was taken to hospital where he later died.

Police said no other vehicles were involved.

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Following the boy's death there were flowers laid outside Barclays Bank, Whalley New Road, and people passed their condolences to the Limbada family.

Kirsty Gagg, deputy headteacher at Daisyfield school, said at the time everyone at the school was devastated by Adam's death.

She said: "We are all blessed to have been graced by Adam’s big heart, inviting personality and huge smile. He will be greatly missed from our school family.

Little Harwood councillor Naushad Surve said: “Adam was a joyful character. He was a lovely and joyful boy.

“Everyone is in absolute shock in Little Harwood. A lot of his family are from here. We offer them our thoughts and prayers.

“We want to give all our support to the family. We understand they are going through a really difficult time. I would like to praise them for their dignity and the courageous way in which they have dealt with this tragic situation.”

Hundreds of mourners also attended his funeral service at Pleasington Crematorium.