Holiday boy killed at airport

A boy aged three has died after being hit by a car alleged to have been speeding over a pedestrian crossing at an airport.

James Sturm, of Yateley, Hampshire, was perched on top of a trolley loaded with luggage as his family left the arrivals lounge at Barcelona airport.

His father, Joseph, was pushing the trolley over a crossing but stopped abruptly after seeing a car coming towards them.

James slipped off the suitcases and into the path of the car as his mother, walking behind with his baby sister in her arms, watched in horror.

James was pronounced dead at the scene.

Reports in today's local newspapers said the vehicle, being driven by a woman, was travelling at nearly 50mph. A police officer said: "An investigating judge is in charge of the case and will decide what action should be taken after enquiries are completed and he has studied all the evidence."

The motorist, who was on her own at the time of the accident and who has not been named, could face a charge of involuntary homicide if the judge decides her driving was reckless.

The Sturms had flown in yesterday for a holiday with James's maternal grandparents at a campsite on the coast near Tarragona. James's mother Janice Rawes, 40, and Mr Sturm, 40, are being comforted by the couple.

Arrangements are being made to fly the boy's body back to Britain early next week.