Kent News - 10-year-old boy arrested after A20 death

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Monday, September 6 2010, 1:03

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10-year-old boy arrested after A20 death

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Michael Baker and partner Sheila

KENT NEWS: A 10-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a crash on the A20 that killed one man and left another seriously injured.

The boy, who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, has been bailed while inquiries continue into the collision last Saturday at 10.40am between a lorry and a pickup truck near the Swanley interchange.

Police have also spoken to a nine-year-old as part of the investigation.

A group of young people were seen throwing stones at vehicles on the same stretch of road shortly before the incident.

District commander for Sevenoaks Chief Inspector Adrian Futers said: "A family have lost a loved one, this is not the time for people to withhold information out of some sort of misguided loyalty.

"This group of young people were standing at a spot that we frequently send patrols to because youngsters hang around near the road and there have been previous reports of things being thrown at vehicles.

"We have spoken or will be speaking to the people who we know go to this location but we want information about everyone who hangs around there and specifically who was there on Saturday morning.

"I would like parents and carers to ask youngsters where they were on Saturday and come forward if they have information.

"It goes without saying that no-one should ever think it is a joke to distract drivers or throw anything at vehicles, sadly one family in particular understands this only too well."

Michael Baker, from West Sussex, who was a passenger in the truck died in hospital in London later that day from his injuries. The driver of the pickup remains in hospital with serious injuries.

Officers believe a group of young people were standing on the grass bank at the side of the road at the time of the crash. This area is accessed via the underpass from Laburnum Avenue on St Mary’s estate.

As the lorry, which was heading towards London, drove past the young people, the driver said he realised something had hit the windscreen, cab and side of his vehicle. He pulled over to the side of the road. It was while the lorry was stationary that the recovery truck collided with it.

Anyone with information can contact the incident room for this investigation on 01622 654853. Callers can also ring Kent Crimestoppers without leaving their names on 0800 555 111. Information can also be emailed to appeals.westkent@kent.pnn.police.uk.

POSTED: 29/07/2010 10:46:42

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