POLICE have confirmed the identify of a much-loved little boy who died after being hit by a van in Newcastle.

Layton Darwood, five, was fatally injured after he was in collision with a Ford Transit van on Willow Avenue, Fenham, at around 4.50pm ln Monday.

A 38-year-old man remains in police custody at this time and specialist officers in Northumbria Police's Motor Patrols department continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Sergeant Lee Butler has asked that the community respect Layton’s family’s privacy at this difficult time.

He said: “This is a devastating time for Layton’s family and our thoughts go out to them at this horrendous time. They continue to be offered support by specialist family liaison officers.

“The whole community is saddened by what has happened and I know they will rally round to support them.

“We would ask that people respect their privacy as they try to come to terms with their tragic loss and avoid speculating about the circumstances of the collision at this early stage."