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Hit-and-run driver at large after killing father and son on countryside lane

Lewis Daines (l) and dad Dean Jones (r) died in a hit-and-run crash while they were cycling close to their home. (South Yorkshire Police)
Lewis Daines (l) and dad Dean Jones (r) died in a hit-and-run crash while they were cycling close to their home. (South Yorkshire Police)

Police are attempting to track down a hit-and-run driver who knocked down and killed a father and his teenage son while they were out cycling.

Dean Jones, 45, and Lewis Daines, 16, were killed on Royston Road, Cudworth, Barnsley, at around 9.20pm on 20 January.

Paramedics attempted to revive the pair when they arrived but they both died at the scene.

The driver who ran into them failed to stop and drove off after the crash.

South Yorkshire Police said a 37-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has since been released with no further action.

Lewis Daines was described as 'the most loving boy you could meet'. (South Yorkshire Police)
Lewis Daines was described as 'the most loving boy you could meet'. (South Yorkshire Police)

Officers are now appealing for information that will help find the driver, who is thought to have been driving a red Volkswagen Golf, which was later found abandoned in the village of Shafton, around half a mile away.

Lewis' cousin, Samantha Earnshaw, paid tribute to the teenager, describing him as "the most loving boy you could meet".

She added: "It's such a huge loss. I'd do anything thing to have him back here with us – anything."

South Yorkshire Police said in a statement: "A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released with no further action, after being eliminated from our enquiries.

Dean Jones and Lewis Daines were knocked down and killed on Royston Road, Cudworth, Barnsley. (Google)
Dean Jones and Lewis Daines were knocked down and killed on Royston Road, Cudworth, Barnsley. (Google)

"Our Roads Policing Group are continuing to appeal for information and any dash cam footage that could help with the investigation.

"The vehicle involved, which officers believe was a red Volkswagen Golf, was travelling along Royston Road towards Cudworth at the time of the collision."

Anyone with information is urged to contact South Yorkshire Police using live chat, the online portal or by calling 101 quoting incident number 1089 of 20 January 2023. If you have dashcam footage, email enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk and quote the incident number in the email subject.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.