A man arrested in connection with the suspected hit-and-run death of a seven-year-old boy has been bailed for four months.

The 49-year-old was taken into custody at 5.15pm yesterday – almost 24 hours after William Brown was knocked down and killed in Sandgate, near Folkestone.

He had been arrested in Dymchurch and was later questioned by detectives on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.

He has now been released on bail until March 6.

The latest development comes two days after William’s tragic death in Sandgate Esplanade, near its junction with Prospect Road.

His heartbroken family, including mum Laura and dad Will, say he was trying to retrieve a football when he was struck close to his home.

Police say the fatal collision involved two vehicles – a grey Peugeot van and a red Citroen car.

The van left the scene in the direction of Hythe, before the arrival of emergency services.

Medics tried desperately to resuscitate William for 40 minutes but were unable to save his life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His devastated dad, who had watched on helplessly during the CPR efforts, yesterday paid tribute to his “gentle” and “wonderful child”.

“He was so excited about Christmas,” he said.

“My boy was a kind and pure soul. There are no other words for it.

“He was liked by everybody – everybody loved him.

“He was just full of life, laughter, love. He was always smiling. He had so much energy and it was just infectious, the spirit that he brought.

“Words cannot explain what that boy meant to the whole circle of people he was involved with.

“I just want to say thanks to my son for seven years of joy, happiness and kindness and warmth that he brought to so many people – his family, his school friends, anyone that he met.”

Mr Brown told how William was “best friends” with his six-year-old sister Pearl, whom he adored, and how they still went to see her school play the day after is death.

“We went to her nativity today to support her, to let her know that she isn’t alone now,” he said.

Mr Brown also told of his boy's amazing ability to remember facts.

Despite being just seven, the St Eanswythes Primary School pupil had learned the names and traits of numerous dinosaurs and, if asked, knew how many teeth were inside some shark species’ jaws.

“He just knew so much it was unbelievable,” Mr Brown Snr said.

“He would love to tell you a fact, and then you’d say ‘no, that can’t be true’, but when you looked it up on Google and he was right, he would say ‘I told you, didn’t I’.”

One of Wlliam’s favourite spots was the Warren in Folkestone, a remote beachfront with archaeological significance, his dad said.

“He just loved fossils,” Mr Brown explained. “He was interested in so much about the world around him.

“He loved his dog Boycie.”

William also adored football, particularly Cristiano Ronaldo and supported Manchester United.

He could name about 100 players and was well aware of some who had retired many years ago.

Mr Brown added: "I cannot say enough, cherish your children because you never know what's going to happen.

"Yesterday, I had two beautiful children, today I have one beautiful daughter, six years old. They were joined at the hip.

"Pull your kids in close, tell them you love them. Pull all your family in close, anyone you love. It's really important."

Following the tragedy, crash investigators worked overnight at the scene, with the road not reopening until 7am the following morning.

An appeal for witnesses was also launched, with anyone with information urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference MM/DGC/130/23. You can also email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk

Drivers were also asked to check dashcams or CCTV for any footage that may help the investigation, including footage in the area before and after the incident, which can be submitted to police here.

No other arrests have been made in connection with the incident.