A man has been arrested after a seven-year-old boy was killed after trying to retrieve his football in a hit-and-run incident in Folkestone, police said. The 49-year-old, from the Dymchurch area, was detained on Thursday evening and is in custody. The two-vehicle collision happened at about 5.35pm on Wednesday on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade, near its junction with Prospect Road. Kent police said William Brown was confirmed dead at the scene. A spokesman said: “The unidentified vehicle left the scene in the direction of Hythe, prior to the arrival of emergency services.” Folkestone & Hythe district council leader Jim Martin shared his condolences with the family, saying: “His death at such a young age is a terrible tragedy and we can only echo the heartfelt plea of his parents that the driver of the vehicle come forward to assist Kent police officers with their investigation.” Earlier on Thursday, the boy’s father, William Brown Sr, said his son was hit as he was trying to collect his football and described him as “a beautiful boy” who “believed in forgiveness and love”. Speaking to the BBC, William’s mother, Laura Brown, said: “My son was the sweetest boy in the world.” Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kent serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference MM/DGC/130/23.