THE family of a five-year-old boy killed in a road accident were today said to be inconsolable.

Joshua Crowder was knocked down by a car just before 5pm yesterday as he crossed the road only yards from his home at Barlby, near Selby.

The youngster was outside his grandparents' house, near the junction with Turnhead Crescent, when he stepped out from behind a parked van to cross York Road.

Police said Joshua collided with a blue Peugeot 205, being driven by a 25-year-old Selby man from the direction of the A19 into Barlby village.

Joshua was taken to York District Hospital where he died shortly afterwards.

His parents, Stuart and Sarah Crowder, of Northfield, Barlby, were in deep shock and too distressed to talk about the tragedy.

Joshua's distraught grandparents, Derek and Elaine Crowder, of Turnhead Crescent, said today their grandson had been playing with a friend just before the accident.

Mrs Crowder, 49, said someone knocked on her door to tell her that a child had been run over. She ran outside to find it was her grandson.

She said: "I ran across the road to get Sarah and Stuart. People were in the road shouting 'where's the ambulance'. It seemed to take forever.

"Joshua was a very active lad who loved to be outdoors. He loved life and was never still. He was always laughing and I don't know how we're going to manage without him - it's such a waste.

"His parents are devastated. They went everywhere together and he idolised his dad; he was like his shadow."

Mr Crowder, 47, said: "He was loved by everybody. I don't know why they had to take him - they should have taken me instead."

Stuart, 28, a landscape gardener, and Sarah, 26, also have a nine-year-old daughter, Rebecca.

Joshua was a pupil at Barlby Hill Top School, where head teacher Graeme Lowe today broke the sad news to children at morning assembly.

Mr Lowe said: "He was a popular, lively lad. I can't begin to imagine what the family is going through and our thoughts and prayers are with them."

Barlby postmaster and parish councillor David Hope said: "He was a grand little lad. He had a beautiful smile, which lit up the shop when he walked in. It's an absolute tragedy."

Witnesses, particularly two people believed to have been standing at a nearby bus stop, should contact Selby police on 01757 702596.

Updated: 15:19 Wednesday, February 06, 2002