Pictured: Three-year-old boy who was knocked down and killed by van in horror crash near his home – as wellwishers raise £25,000 for his parents

By TOM LAWRENCE

Published: 18:10 BST, 14 April 2025 | Updated: 18:34 BST, 14 April 2025

A three-year-old boy who was knocked down and killed by a van has been pictured for the first time.

Gideon Booker died in a horror crash near his home in Colehill, Dorset, last Friday.

Neighbours rushed outside to try and help the youngster but there was nothing they could do and he died at the scene.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for the parents of the young boy, including his father who is an Afghanistan war veteran. 

Michael Boulton was on the scene within seconds. He said he tried to stop cars from entering the residential road following the crash, only to be sworn at by drivers.

He said: ‘When it happened I came out. I had heard screaming outside when it happened.

‘I was shouting at the cars not to come down here but they were all swearing at me.’

He said he had been ‘in tears’ since the incident.

Gideon Booker, 3, was killed when he was knocked down by a van near his home in Dorset

A family friend said Gideon ‘lit up every room he entered’ and ‘brought laughter to all who knew him’

Flowers and teddy bears were left at the scene of the crash where the toddler was killed

Flowers and teddy bears have been left at the scene by local residents in tribute to Gideon.

A family friend has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help his parents, Mike, a former paratrooper who completed three tours of Afghanistan, and Becky.

To date, the appeal has raised almost £25,000 in just three days.

Friend Natacha Dunne wrote: ‘Gideon was full of joy and sweetness – he loved Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine, cuddles, and Dinosaur.

‘His smile lit up every room he entered, and his presence brought warmth and laughter to all who knew him.

‘No parent should ever have to face the pain of losing a child, and yet here they are – walking through unimaginable sorrow with quiet strength and grace.

‘As a community, we want to rally around the Booker family during this deeply painful time. Our hope is to bless them in tangible ways, to ease the burden of practical needs while they grieve, rest, and begin the long journey of healing.’

Wimborne Town FC is also holding a father’s charity football match this weekend to raise money.

A fundraiser has raised £25,000 for his grieving parents, veteran Mike and Becky

Neighbours and members of the community left flowers in a tribute to the young child

A family friend said ‘no parent should ever have to face the pain of losing a child’

The horror crash took place near the boy’s home in Colehill in Wimborne 

Inspector Joe Wheable, of Dorset Police’s Roads Policing Team, said they are appealing for witnesses and anyone with relevant dashcam footage of the collision to come forward.

He said: ‘First and foremost our thoughts and hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the young child who very sadly died in this collision.

‘We are continuing to carry out a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

‘I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone who may have captured relevant dashcam footage, to please make contact with us.

‘Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during the road closures.’

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Pictured: Three-year-old boy who was knocked down and killed by van in horror crash near his home – as wellwishers raise £25,000 for his parents

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