Police release mugshot of man wanted after boy, 12, was killed in hit-and-run crash - as officers hunt BMW driver

Police have released the mugshot of a 21-year-old BMW driver who is wanted following the death of a 12-year-old boy in an 'appalling' hit-and-run crash.

Dolars Aleksanders, 21, is being hunted down by West Midlands Police who say he is 'wanted on suspicion of death by dangerous driving'.

The desperate search started after Keaton Slater, 12, was struck down by a black BMW in Radford Road, Coventry, on Friday shortly after 4.30pm.

The youngster was later pronounced dead at the scene.

In a tribute, released through the police, the boy's family said: 'We all will miss our fun-loving little comedian, he just wanted to make everyone laugh and smile.'

The grieving family added: 'He was so beautiful inside and outside, our baby and little brother. Life can be so horrible.'

West Midlands Police seized an abandoned black BMW, which was found a 20-minute drive away in New Arley on Friday evening, and are trying to trace the driver. 

The BMW is being forensically examined.

A person who was voluntarily questioned after coming forward to a police station on Saturday has been released under investigation.

Keaton has been remembered for being an avid supporter of Coventry City FC and was described as being the 'light and soul' of life.

His brother, Josh Slater, posted a moving tribute on Facebook.

He wrote: 'Fly high Keats. Forever in our hearts. We will never stop missing you. Love you baby bro.

'You was the best uncle to my little Theo. And an amazing little brother to me.

'We will get you the justice you deserve. Fly high and I'll see you on the other side little brother. We loved you so much and we are all heartbroken.

'Please help my family and the police catch this scumbag. Please please please.'

A JustGiving page has been set up with the aim of raising £35,000 for Keaton's family.

At the time of publication, more than £33,800 has already been raised.

Organiser John McDevitt said: 'No parent should ever have to deal with the trauma of losing a child so young in such terrible circumstances.'

He added: 'It will help the family with funeral expenses and other living costs giving them time to begin to process and mourn the loss of their son and brother without having the extra burden of worrying about paying for a funeral and going to work.'

Sergeant Rich Evans, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'A family has lost a 12-year-old boy in an appalling incident and our thoughts remain with them.

'We are offering them support at this most dreadful of times, and we're keeping them informed as our work to trace those responsible goes on.

'We'd like to thank all those people who have already contacted us with information and our enquiries are progressing.'

After releasing the mugshot of Aleksanders, West Midlands Police said: 'If you've seen him, or know where he is, please don't approach him but call 999 immediately, quoting log 3407 of June 14.'