POLICE are seeking information after a nine-year-old schoolboy died following a road accident in Gillingham.

The youngster was knocked down by a car in Napier Road. It is thought the boy, who lived in the Gillingham area, stepped out into the path of the oncoming vehicle, driven by a 40-year-old local man.

One resident in the area said: "It is just terrible. I feel sorry for the family. The little boy had three brothers and two sisters. I'm sure they are finding it really hard at the moment."

The boy's family are regular members of the congregation at Our Lady of Gillingham RC church in Ingram Road, and have been comforted by their priest during the weekend.

Father Kevin Fitzgerald, said: "I feel very sorry for the family. It is such tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them."

The accident happened at about 5.45pm on Friday. A spokesman for Medway Ambulance Station, said: "A fast response unit and an emergency ambulance were on scene within minutes. The boy suffered serious head and upper body injuries. He was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital, but he died at about 10pm the same evening."

Medway Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to telephone PC Julian Barton or PC Alison Hollis on 01634 884130.