TRIBUTES have been paid to the eight-year-old boy who was knocked down and killed by a BMW driver allegedly racing another car down the street.
Little Safiullah Asif was struck as he crossed the road on Thursday evening and despite medics battling to save him the youngster died in hospital.
Devastated relatives released a picture of the child whose parents Noreen and Imran were still too upset to talk last night.
Safiullah’s uncle, Norman Latif, said the family are “beyond heartbroken” by his death after helping officers identify the body.
Norman told The Sun: “He was the cutest, sweetest boy you will ever meet. He was so kind and was always happy to help people.”
“His parents are beyond heartbroken – they are completely devastated. No parent should lose their child.
“Now we want justice and for those responsible to feel the full weight of the law. We want them to pay for what they have done.”
Cousin Jahanzeb Nawaz, 17, earlier claimed two cars were racing and he saw one slam into Safiullah, hurling him into the air as he crossed the road.
He said: “The first one went down the street, then Safiullah crossed. That’s when the other car came down the street and hit him into the air.”
Jahanzeb, who works in Safiullah’s dad’s shop, said his brother who also saw the tragedy “hasn’t been able to speak since”.
Witness Jim Cumberland, 74, said: “The boy’s mother was crying her eyes out. It’s tragic a little boy has lost his life. All the family are trying to rally around to help them.”
Police arrested two men aged 33 and 21 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The 33-year-old was also arrested for allegedly having no licence or insurance.
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Both have been bailed pending further inquiries into the tragedy in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Sergeant Matthew Picton, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Sadly, this is now a fatal collision investigation.”
He appealed for dashcam or CCTV footage.
