Family of 11-year old killed in hit and run have paid tribute to him

Taylor Schofield

The heartbroken family of an 11-year-old boy who died following a hit-and-run in Beswick have said “he was taken too soon.”

Taylor Schofield, who started at a Tameside Secondary School only four months ago, is believed to have been struck by a grey Volkswagen Golf on Albert Street around 6.10pm on Saturday 12thJanuary, shortly before the car fled.

In a statement his family, who’ve been left devastated, said: “Taylor was a cheeky, handsome lad who loved his mates, football and Man United.

“He was a very bright, intelligent, loving and caring kid – always smiling and making jokes,”

They added: “He’s going to be missed by everyone. Our angel always.”

The young boy, who was in his first year at Droylsden Academy Secondary School, was treated at the scene by paramedics but died as a result of his injuries in hospital.

When officers arrived at the scene they found the car involved had fled with the VW Golf being found abandoned near to the scene.

A 31-year-old man later attended a police station where he was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

PC Karl Horner from the Greater Manchester Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Taylor’s family, I cannot imagine what they must be going through.

“Our specialist support officers have been with them today and we will continue to help them in whatever way we can.

“We will leave no stone unturned in order to give Taylor’s family the answers they deserve.”

Michael Robinson, 31, of Toft Road in Manchester is due to appear in Manchester Magistrates’ Court today, accused of fatally injuring the young boy. 

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number 1642 of 12/01/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.