Boy, 11, died after crossing road to his mother

An 11-year-old boy died after he was hit by a bus and car when it was not safe for him to cycle across the road, a coroner has said.

Seth Fulton was cycling on the pavement in Nottingham Road, Chaddesden, Derby, on 17 April when he saw his mum on the opposite side of the road and crossed over to her.

The inquest heard he was hit by a bus, which threw him into the path of a VW Polo. He was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham but died from his injuries on the same day.

Susan Evans, coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, completed an inquest in writing on Wednesday, and concluded it was "not safe" for him to cross the road when he did.

She said neither the driver of the Polo nor the bus had "sufficient opportunity" to avoid the crash.

Evans concluded Seth died in a road traffic collision. His cause of death was recorded as a traumatic head injury.

The coroner wrote on the record of inquest: "He cycled in front of a VW Polo car on the nearside lane and as he got to the far side carriageway, he was hit by a bus coming from his left.

"This impact caused him to be thrown into the path of the VW Polo. He suffered significant injuries and was conveyed to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham where he died later that day.

"Neither driver had sufficient opportunity to avoid a collision."

In a statement released by Derbyshire Police after Seth's death, his parents said: "He was a lovely colourful lad, independent and cheeky.

"He had a lust for life, loved wildlife and was adventurous. He was caring and compassionate, impulsive and inquisitive.

"He had a thirst for knowledge, was fearless, very sociable and would speak to anyone. He was free-thinking and carefree.

"He absolutely loved skateboarding and BMX riding.

"He was so very funny with his silly jokes and dancing. He was passionate about anything he put his mind to - he had the best personality.

"He was a sweet child that was full of life. He was a so very loved son, brother, grandson and nephew."

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