PICTURED: Schoolboy, 11, who died after being knocked off his bike by a bus on New Year’s Eve

An 11-year-old schoolboy who died after being hit by a bus on New Year’s Eve has been named as Lucas Ashton. 

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said Lucas was riding his bike when he was knocked down on Vernon Street, Bolton, at around 1.40pm on Friday. 

Emergency crews attended the incident but the youngster was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. 

GMP’s specialist officers continue to support Lucas’s family and loved ones. Police said the bus driver was ‘assisting officers with enquiries’ following the incident. No arrests have been made. 

An 11-year-old schoolboy who died after being hit by a bus on New Year’s Eve has been named as Lucas Ashton (pictured) 

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said Lucas was riding his bike when he was knocked down on Vernon Street (above), Bolton, at around 1.40pm on Friday 

On Saturday, residents living near the scene said the community had been left shocked and devastated by Lucas’s death. 

Leoni Johnson said she witnessed the aftermath of the horrific crash and described hearing the ‘awful’ screams of who she believed to be the boy’s mum. 

She said she ‘couldn’t watch’ as the road became flooded with emergency services.

Ms Johnson said: ‘I went to the shop and by the time I came back the road was flooded with police.

‘There were riot vans in the back street. I heard the mum screaming, crying. It was awful. 

‘I’m a mum too so I couldn’t watch, I had to come inside. We found out on the news that he had passed away. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.’ 

She said children in the area regularly ride their bikes along Vernon Street and other roads in the area. 

Ms Johnson said: ‘There are so many little kids that play up here, mine included It’s a shame. It’s just been Christmas and it’s New Year’s Eve today. I can’t imagine what that family is going through.’ 

GMP’s specialist officers continue to support Lucas’s family and loved ones

Police said the bus driver was ‘assisting officers with enquiries’ following the incident. No arrests have been made

Another resident said the incident had shocked the local community. 

‘It’s absolutely devastating. It was really eerie and sad yesterday. 

‘Even before we knew he had passed away, you just knew. There was a bad feeling. It’s quite a close-knit community. 

‘Everyone knows everyone around here. It’s shocked the area. You just don’t think something like this will happen on your doorstep.’ 

Floral tributes to Lucas have been left at the scene of the crash. 

A note on one bunch read: ‘Fly high with the angels. Sleep well beautiful. Always in our thoughts.’ 

Officers are continuing to appeal to members of the public – particularly passengers who were on the bus in question – to contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) on 0161 856 4741 or 0161 856 8802. 

The bus, pictured, remained at the scene following the collision yesterday

A stretch of road along Vernon Street was cordoned off while police completed their investigation

Officers are appealing or any witnesses to the collision to come forward or pass on any footage they may have of the incident