Nine-year-old boy dies after being knocked down

Ethan Ritchie, described by his family as a happy-go-lucky boy, reportedly died in his mother’s arms after the incident, which happened in Kennedy Way just after 7pm.

The youngster was cycling near his home when the collision, with a Tesco delivery van, occurred.

Neighbours are said to have tried their best to save Ethan as he lay dying beside his mangled bicycle in the street, with one resident trying to revive him by pumping his chest.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Ethan was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital where he sadly died a short time later.”

It is believed the matter is being treated as a tragic accident by police and no charges have been made against the delivery van driver.