A MAN has been charged following an alleged hit-and-run in which an 11-year-old boy died.

Theo Hixon-Denton was walking home after skateboarding with friends when he was hit by a car near the recreation ground in Sholing, Southampton, last November. He suffered serious head injuries and died.

A police investigation was launched to find the driver of the car, who did not remain at the scene in Sholing Road.

Officers have confirmed a 19-yearold man who was arrested shortly after Theo's death will now face criminal charges after answering bail.

Jason Michael Tobola, from Sholing, has been charged with perverting the course of justice, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and report it, and driving without insurance.

Theo, a pupil at Woolston School Language College, was described by his mum Julia as a "funny, cheeky and mischievous" boy who loved going out to play with his brother, cousins and friends.

After the youngster died on November 23 last year, Julia told the Daily Echo: "Being the youngest in our family, he was becoming quite independent since starting secondary school.

"He made the most out of his short life, having lots of fun in the process. He was a fantastic son, brother and grandson who enriched all of our lives with his infectious laughter and personality.

"We all miss him dreadfully. I feel extremely privileged to have been his mum."

Theo lived with his mum, his elder sister Lydia and brother Louis in Bitterne and was formerly a pupil of Ludlow Infant and Junior School.

Following his death the Daily Echo was flooded with messages from people who paid tribute to the popular youngster while pupils at Woolston were offered bereavement counselling.

Tobola will appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court on April 17.