COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

The boy died at the scene in Coventry on Friday afternoon



A boy has died after he was struck by a car in a hit-and-run crash in Coventry.

The 12-year-old was fatally injured on Radford Road about 16:30 BST on Friday.

A BMW that was involved has been seized, but police are appealing for help to identify the people who were in the car at the time of the crash.

"We would appeal to the driver or for any of the passengers who were in the vehicle to do the right thing and to contact us," said Sgt Rich Evans from West Midlands Police.

"A 12-year-old boy has tragically lost his life and we need you to come forward and hand yourselves in."

Officers are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from the scene as they work to trace the suspects.

Sgt Evans said officers were supporting the family.

Schoolboy killed in Radford Road tragedy remembered for being 'light and soul'



A young boy who died in a 'hit-and-run' in Coventry has been named as 12-year-old Keaton Slater. He was killed after being struck by a BMW yesterday afternoon (Friday, June 14).

Keaton was said to be crossing Radford Road near Aldi when he was struck by a BMW at around 4.30pm. Paramedics attended, but the 12-year-old was found critically injured and died at the scene, West Midlands Police.

He has been remembered for being an avid supporter of Coventry City FC and was described as being the 'light and soul.' Funds are now being raised to support his loved ones as the city rallies together following the tragic events of yesterday (June 14).

Organiser John McDevitt said: “No parent should ever have to deal with the trauma of losing a child so young. His family has been told about the JustGiving page and is very grateful that it is being done as they try and deal with what has happened.”

Mr McDevitt added: “It will help the family with funeral expenses and any other living costs giving them time to begin to process and mourn the loss of their son and brother without having the extra burden of worrying about paying for a funeral and going to work.”

West Midlands Police want to find 21-year-old Dolars Aleksanders



Police have issued an image of a man they want to find after a young boy was killed in a 'hit-and-run' in Coventry. Dolars Aleksanders is wanted following the fatal collision on Radford Road.

Aleksanders is wanted on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, West Midlands Police said. It comes after Keaton Slater died after being struck by a BMW at around 4.30pm on Friday (June 14).

Detectives have urged people 'not to approach' Aleksanders. Anyone who sees the 21-year-old has been urged to call 999.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “Have you seen Dolars Aleksanders? He is wanted on suspicion of death by dangerous driving after a 12-year-old boy died following a collision on Radford Road in Coventry on Friday (June 14).

“If you have seen him, or know where he is, please do not approach him but call 999 immediately, quoting log 3407 of June 14.”

Mural created in memory of hit-and-run victim Keaton Slater



A striking new painting created in memory of a Coventry boy has been described by his family as 'amazing.' Keaton Slater died in a hit-and-run last June, and his image now sits where he was tragically killed.

Young Sky Blues fan Keaton died after being struck by a BMW on Radford Road on June 14, 2024. It was a tragedy that sparked an outpouring of grief across Coventry.

Keaton was remembered in the city yesterday (June 14). Parents Louise and Clint Slater gathered in Radford with friends and family as they marked one year since the 12-year-old died.

As they remembered the 'fun-loving' youngster, Louise and Clint unveiled a new painting created by Michael Batchelor. He told CoventryLive that completing the project was 'very emotional.'

Clint and Louise said they were 'amazed' by the painting of Keaton. Dad Clint said: “It looks good. We just want to keep his face alive.”

Bikers also rode across Coventry yesterday (June 14) in memory of 12-year-old Keaton. Dozens watched on as they roared through the city and poignantly passed Radford Road, where the Sky Blues fan was killed.

MP Taiwo Owatemi, who has been supporting the Slaters, also attended the gathering yesterday (June 14). She said: “It has been a very difficult year for our community following the tragic death of Keaton.

“His memory continues to inspire compassion and a shared commitment to make our city safer. Supporting the Slater family remains a top priority, and I will continue to stand with them and do everything in my power to support their pursuit of justice.”

Police said they are continuing enquiries to find Dolars Aleksanders, who is wanted on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He is believed to have fled to Latvia, with efforts ongoing to have the 21-year-old extradited to the UK.