Traffic police are appealing for witnesses after a "lively and bright" four-year-old boy died following a hit-and-run accident.

Roque Carlos Sequiera-Pereira, of Colney Hatch Lane, Friern Barnet, suffered fatal head injuries after being hit by a car in nearby Hampden Road. He was taken to hospital following the incident, at around 3.30pm on Tuesday last week, but died in Great Ormond Street the next day.

"The family were walking along the road when a guy pulled up to give them a lift they stopped to talk and that's when the accident happened," said one passer-by. "I didn't hear the car but I turned round when I heard the mother screaming. She was cuddling her child and was just hysterical."

Police said Roque had run between parked cars and into the busy road where he was hit by a white Toyota Corolla.

Its female driver stopped briefly but then left the scene. She was later arrested at her home on suspicion of failing to stop at an accident and has been bailed until the end of November.

Scores of relatives, friends and classmates of Roque attended his funeral at Our Lady of Muswell Church in Colney Hatch Lane, Muswell Hill, yesterday. His family, of Portuguese origin, are said to be inconsolable.

Roque went to Coppetts Wood Primary school in Coppetts Road, Friern Barnet, with his twin sister Lalia. His younger sister Agata, three, attended the school's nursery.

Headteacher Sally Lajalati said: "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event. Roque was a lively and bright little boy who will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him at Coppetts Wood School."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time."

Appealing for witnesses, Sergeant Andy Nelson said: "The family are obviously distraught as you would expect and they are looking to blame someone that's why we're investigating this with open minds."

Residents of Hampden Road this week launched a petition calling for traffic calming. They say their road has become a notorious 'rat run'.

Jean Spindlow said: "This road is terribly busy we were just dreading something like this happening."

Witnesses are asked to contact the accident investigation unit on 020 8246 9852.

November 7, 2001 19:06

MATTHEW NIXSON