A YOUNG boy was killed in Rainford at the weekend after stepping out into the path of an oncoming car.

Six year old Reece Banke, from Skelmersdale, was visiting his father in Rainford for the weekend and he and his older brother Daniel were playing with a friend in the early evening on Saturday, February 5 when the accident happened. At 6.15pm, Reece ran across Ormskirk Road near to the Bridge Inn and was in collision with a red BMW. He was given first aid at the scene before being rushed to Ormskirk General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the BMW was later interviewed by police.

Leading the investigation, Sergeant Gary Mason of Merseyside Police Traffic Department told the Star: "At this present time we are continuing to piece together the exact movements of Reece and the other children, leading up to the collision itself. The investigation is a sensitive one in view of the fact that a number of young children were witnesses. They will be interviewed by specially trained officers and we are asking anyone who saw the incident or has information to contact the police."

Liverpool FC fan Reece was a pupil of Hillside Primary School in Tanhouse, Skelmersdale, and also had a younger sister, Daria.

IF you have information, contact the 24-hour Merseyside Police traffic line on 0151 777 5730.

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