AN INQUEST into the tragic death of a much-loved schoolboy who died after being hit by a van on one of Bradford’s busiest roads was opened yesterday.

Tributes poured in following the heartbreaking news of 10-year-old Tayyab Akram’s death and there was a huge turnout at his funeral as people gathered to pay their respects.

The inquest into his death was opened at Bradford Coroners’ Court by coroner Katy Dickinson. Coroners’ officer Sarah Akhtar told the brief hearing that on the evening of October 13, Tayyab was struck by a Mercedes Sprinter van on Wakefield Road.

Paramedics attended and Tayyab was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, but despite treatment and the best efforts of the hospital, Tayyab’s condition sadly deteriorated. He passed away on the evening of October 19.

Flowers have been left at the scene in a poignant tribute. Tayyab, from East Bowling, was a Year 6 pupil at Bradford Academy. The whole school said prayers for him when they heard the news of the incident.

The academy’s principal, Tehmina Hashmi, wrote to pupils’ parents and carers to inform them of the news of Tayyab’s death and to offer support from the academy for anyone who needed it.

She wrote: “Tayyab was a fun-loving, popular and funny young man who will be greatly missed by all of our school and the wider community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Our memorial garden will be open over the next few days should you wish to reflect or pay tribute and staff will be available.

“We are aware that this can be a very difficult thing for children and young people to understand and we will be addressing this once the learners return to school on November 1.”

Tayyab was a member of Nelson’s Boxing Academy and many of his colleagues and friends from the club attended at the cemetery to pay their respects at his funeral, which was held last Thursday.

Many people took to a book of condolence opened by the Telegraph & Argus to share their sadness at the news.

Margaret Baker wrote: “You live on in the hearts and minds of the loving family you left behind.”

Satnam Singh added: “I prayed for your recovery but I guess god has another plan you son.

“My heart goes out to your family at this sad time. May your soul be blessed and rest in peace Tayyab.”

Another touching tribute: “God bless you Tayyab, you’ll be missed by your friends at school so much and by the East Bowling community.

“My prayers are with you.”

Naomi Maragh said: “Rest in peace little man. Too young to be taken and so very sad. Its heartbreaking news and my only hope is that your family get the help and support they need. Can’t imagine what they are going through. Heaven gained another precious angel.”

The latest update from West Yorkshire Police said the driver of the van, a 48-year-old man from Bradford, had been spoken to by officers.

The T&A contacted police for a further update yesterday.
The inquest into Tayyab’s death is expected to conclude in February next year.