AN inquest into the death of a four-year-old boy known as a "diamond geezer" to his dad heard how the tot ran out into the path of an oncoming car.

Witnesses told the hearing Bradley Louis Turner, of Lime Street, Clitheroe, flew into the air after being hit by the vehicle in Chatburn Road, Clitheroe.

The Vauxhall Corsa was being driven by Edith Florence Hallsworth, of Everest Drive, Blackpool.

Keith Underwood, of Warwick Drive, Clitheroe, said he was walking along Chatburn Road and saw the youngster run into the road into the path of the car.

"The car wasn't travelling fast and had no opportunity to stop. The child came from nowhere and flew into the air on impact. There was nothing the driver could have done to avoid the collision."

Christine Mary McKenzie said in a statement read to the inquest that she had also been walking along Chatburn Road at the time of the accident and heard a loud bang.

One of two boys who had been running along the pavement had been hit by a car and was lying motionless in the road.

She had covered Bradley, a Burnley fan, with her fleece jacket until the emergency services arrived, but he was showing no signs of life.

Edith Florence Hallsworth said she was driving along Chatburn Road at about 30mph and glimpsed two boys playing on the pavement.

"The smaller of the two ran out in front of the car and flipped into the air upon impact with the bonnet of my car, then slid on to the ground.

"I got out of the car to check, but he was motionless.

"There was nothing I could have done to prevent the accident."

Accident investigation officer John Sutcliffe told the inquest skid marks at the scene of the accident suggested the car had been travelling at around 32mph.

"I have reached the conclusion that the child ran out into the road, giving the driver no opportunity to avoid the collision.

"It could be argued that the speed of the motorist should have been less."

Home Office pathologist William Lawler said the youngster had died instantly from injuries caused by the impact.

Bradley's parents, Gary Turner and Sharon Barnowski, were too distressed to attend the inquest and were represented by Sharon's mother, Catherine Barnowski, of Shawbridge Street, Clitheroe.

At Bradley's funeral, Gary, 39, described his youngest son as "my diamond geezer" and friends paid tribute to Baby Brado as they heard a recording of him singing along to his favourite song.

The family includes Jamie, 12, Jordan, eight, Kyle, seven and Sophie, six.

East Lancashire Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death.