Boy, 11, dies in hospital four days after ‘hit-and-run’ car crash

A boy aged 11 has died in hospital four days after he was struck by a car in a hit-and-run.

Josh Osborne, described as ‘a lovely lad with an adorable cheeky smile’, was hit in south-east London on Saturday evening.

The Metropolitan Police said he passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The car involved in the crash did not initially stop but came to a halt a short distance from the scene, police said.

A 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident on Court Road in Orpington.

He was later released under investigation.

Tributes have poured in on a fundraising page set up for Josh’s funeral costs.

Deborah Martin wrote: ‘So sorry to hear of this tragedy. I knew Josh and the family through his school. Please pass on my deepest condolences. He was a lovely lad with an adorable cheeky smile.’

Michelle Biddle wrote: ‘We are all heartbroken. Josh was such a good friend to our boys and they are both devastated.’

Tracey Reilly wrote: ‘Josh was such a lovely young man and always had a smile on his face. My family have had the pleasure of knowing him since he was just four years old and he started school with my eldest son. RIP Josh, always in our hearts and we are sending all of our love and heart felt condolences to the whole family.’