25-05-2025
Police officer's tribute to boy, 7, who died 25 years ago on his way home from school
A police traffic officer has paid tributes to a seven-year-old who died in a crash 25 years ago.
Rizwan Quraishi was on duty when he received the news of an incident on Blackburn Road in Haslingden.
The crash happened on May 24, 2000, at around 3.15pm as Javed Ali was heading home from school. The fatal crash occurred on the doorstep of St James' Primary School at a pelican crossing.
Mr Quraishi, who retired from policing following 30 years of service, said the harrowing incident shocked the local community.
He said: 'I feel it necessary that we must not forget about Javed Ali who, at just seven years old was tragically killed.
'He is buried in the Islamic part of the Grane Road cemetery in Haslingden and I have visited his grave on this commemoration and laid some flowers down to give him the respect and prayers he deserves.
'Javed Ali, 25 years have passed, through this passage of time - you are not forgotten, may Allah bless your soul.'
The crash happened on the doorstep of St James primary school (Image: LT) Javed was described as a 'delightful bubbly smart' boy.
Following the incident Burnley magistrates fined driver Terence Arthur Yates, 44, £1,000, ordered him to pay £75 costs and imposed eight penalty points on his licence after he admitted driving without due care and attention.
The sentence at the time was criticised by the family for being far too lenient.
Yates, of Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, was not hurt in the incident but was treated at the scene for shock by paramedics.
