The death of a five-year-old boy who was killed when he ran into the road has been recorded as a tragic accident.

Halifax Coroner's Court heard yesterday how Joshua Hall was holding on to his younger sister Catherine's hand when they set out with their dad to buy some sweets from a garage in Bradford Road, Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse, on March 9.

Christopher Hall was cradling his youngest son James in his left arm and holding hands with his daughter when Joshua suddenly ran out into the road.

In Mr Hall's statement, which was read out to the court, he said: "I was carrying the little one, I had hold of Catherine's hand and Joshua had hold of Catherine's. I kept telling them to wait until the traffic had cleared.

"For some unknown reason Joshua set off running across the road and within a second a car had hit him."

Mr Hall, of Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse, said that his son had turned around to face him when a gold-coloured four-wheeled drive vehicle hit him.

Witness Wendy Drake, who worked in the garage where the family were going to, said she knew the family and had served them on several occasions.

Miss Drake, who had to be comforted by a member of the Hall family after giving evidence, said she was leaving work when the accident happened and heard Mr Hall screaming after his son had been knocked down.

The court heard that motorist Paul Simmonds could do nothing to avoid Joshua when he ran out in front of his Vauxhall Frontera.

In a police interview, Mr Simmonds, a recruitment manager of Low Moor, Bradford, said he regularly travelled the same stretch of road.

He said: "I was going from work back home. It was just a typical day. It was just the usual rush-hour traffic. I was just passing the car when he ran out into the road. I tried to brake but it just happened so fast."

Coroner Roger Whittaker, recording a verdict of accidental death, said: "This is a tragic case. I believe Mr Simmonds could have done nothing to prevent this tragedy and that he will have to live with this for a long time."