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Two men charged after boy died in hit-and-run in Ashton

Two men have been charged after eight-year-old Safiullah Latif Asif was killed in a hit-and-run in Ashton last year.

Kevin Jones, 34, of Gorseyville Crescent in the Wirral, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst unlicensed and causing death whilst uninsured.

Thomas McGrath, 22, of Gorton Road in Stockport, has also been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Both men are due to appear before Tameside Magistrates' Court on Thursday 15 April.

Safiullah tragically passed away in hospital on 24 July last year - the day after he was hit by a BMW as he crossed the road on Ryecroft Street close to his home. 

To honour Safiullah, balloons with notes attached were sent into the sky in West End Park, next to St Peter’s Church, a few days after his death as more than 100 people turned out to pay their respects

The poignant gathering, which had the blessing of Safiullah’s devastated family, was organised by a group of parents as a chance for the boy’s friends to say goodbye.

A number of tributes were also left by members of the public on Ryecroft Street.  

St Peter's CE Primary School, where Safiullah was a pupil, said he was "an extremely popular young man" who was "so kind, caring and always had a smile on his face". 

They tweeted at the time: "As a community, we are deeply saddened by this tragedy. We have so many special memories of Safiullah. He was an extremely popular young man amongst pupils and staff. He was so kind, caring and always had a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family." 

Two men - aged 21 and 33 at the time - were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in July last year but were later bailed pending further enquiries. 

Images by Nigel Wood

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