THE family of a schoolboy who was hit by a bus on New Year's Eve have been left grieving his tragic death.
Lucas Ashton, 11, was riding his bike in Bolton, Greater Manchester, when he was struck by the bus as his mum 'screamed in horror'.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after the horror collision at around 1.40pm on Friday, but the youngster was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The family have now asked for privacy while they grieve", according to a police statement.
Eyewitnesses told Manchester Evening News that they were left 'shocked' and 'devastated' by the awful events.
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Leoni Johnson, who lives nearby, said she saw a woman who she believed to be Lucas' mum "screaming and crying".
She said: "I went to the shop and by the time I came back the road was flooded with police.
"There were riot vans in the back street. I heard the mum screaming, crying. It was awful.
"I’m a mum too so I couldn’t watch, I had to come inside. We found out on the news that he had passed away. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare."
Leoni added that children regularly play and ride their bikes in the area and said: "I can't imagine what that family is going through."
Another resident called the tragedy "absolutely devastating."
They said: "It was really eerie and sad yesterday. Even before we knew he had passed away, you just knew.
"There was a bad feeling. It’s quite a close-knit community.
"Everyone knows everyone around here. It’s shocked the area. You just don’t think something like this will happen on your door step."
Since the crash, floral tributes have been left at the scene in memory of the boy.
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A note on one bunch read: "Fly high with the angels. Sleep well beautiful. Always in our thoughts."
Greater Manchester Police named Lucas today and continue to support his family with specialist officers.
The force confirmed that no arrests had been made and that the bus driver was assisting them with their investigation.
Police are now appealing for information and are encouraging anyone with any footage or knowledge of what happened to come forward.
They are particularly keen to speak with anyone who was on the bus involved in the collision.
Anyone with information can contact GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or 0161 856 8802.
Reports can also be made online on the force's website.
Those who wish to report anonymously can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
