Mersey family's double heartbreak after death of six-year-old boy in West Derby tragedy.....

The scene where Bobby was hit by a van in West Derby and inset, his grandfather ‘Richie’ Williams who died after being found unconscious near to his club on Mab Lane

The devastating loss of the youngster, named locally as Bobby, comes following the alleged murder of his grandfather only weeks ago.

A six-year-old boy died after being struck by a van in Liverpool.

The youngster was knocked down not far from Blackmoor Park Junior School in West Derby yesterday afternoon.

The tragedy brings new heartbreak to the schoolboy’s family, as he is the grandson of a popular social club boss who was killed just weeks ago.

Last night, a member of staff at the Fur and Feather on Mab Lane, where Ritchie Williams was landlord said they were shocked and devastated.

Emergency services were called to the junction of Leyfield Road and Hampton Court Road shortly before 3.30pm.

The little boy, named locally as Bobby, was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The 36-year-old man driving the van was not injured but was taken to Aintreehospital as a precaution.

The road was closed for several hours while police began their investigations.

An eyewitness said he was in his car when the incident happened.

Merseyside emergency services present on Leyfield Road in West Derby

He said: “I was in the traffic, when I heard screaming, I looked in my rear view mirror and I could see a child laying in the road.

“People were screaming and panicking so I pulled over and dialled for an ambulance. It was awful, my heart goes out to his parents.”

Tributes on social media started to flood in within hours of the news breaking.

Social club landlord Richie Williams, 64, who died after a street attack.

Grandad-of-10 Richard ‘Richie’ Williams, 64, died in hospital on Monday, August 14 – just hours after being found unconscious with serious injuries in Waterpark Drive near to his club on Mab Lane.

A man has been charged with his murder and is due back in court next month.

A member of staff at the Fur and Feather said everyone at the club was very upset.

They said: “We found out straight away from the school and we are in shock. Little Bobby used to come around the club. We’re all pretty close. Little Bobby was mischievious and a cracking little kid. We can’t believe it.”

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “Specially trained family liaison officers are supporting the boy’s family at this difficult time and an investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the incident is continuing.

"Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call officers from the MSOC Roads Policing Unit on 0151 777 5747.”