THE grandparents of a six-year-old killed in a hit-and-run crash said yesterday the death had devastated their family.

Gary and Lorraine Roberts’s granddaughter, Demi Leigh Royle, was knocked down on Friday evening while walking back from a visit to shops on Astley Road, Huyton.

Ross Robinson, 24, was yesterday charged with causing death by dangerous driving after his arrest on Saturday, and will appear at Huyton Magist- rates Court this morning.

Demi was walking with a 29-year-old woman and a five-year-old girl when a van turned off Hillside Avenue and into their path.

It is believed the vehicle mounted the pavement. Mersey- side Police said the driver of the dark-coloured Ducato van fled the scene of the crash at about 9.50pm.

The schoolgirl’s grandparents, from Stockbridge Village, laid flowers at the crash scene yesterday, and their message was joined by scores of teddy bears, balloons and cards from Demi’s young friends.

Mrs Roberts said no one could be punished enough for what had happened to them, and their lives had been “wrecked”.

She added: “We all loved Demi so much, she was cheeky and straight to the point, such a bright little girl.

“The whole community has been affected because everybody looks out for each other here and there are a lot of people who work hard with the youngsters.

“I just hope this never happens to anyone else and that nobody else has to go through this.”

Yesterday, family members were gathered at Demi’s home in Huyton and although her parents, Steven and Paula Royle, were too upset to speak, they issued a family statement through police.

It said: “Demi Leigh was a loving and lively little girl. She loved to dance and was a member of the Millennium Morris Dancing group based at St George’s Hall, in Huyton.

“Everything she did made us laugh. Her not being here will leave a hole that can never be filled. She will always be with us in our hearts and our memories.”

Demi Leigh was one of seven children – she had four brothers and two sisters.

The incident happened when the two children and the 29-year-old woman were returning home from a visit to the shops. The five-year-old girl was taken to Whiston Hospital suffering from facial injuries, while the woman was unhurt but treated for shock.

Grandfather Mr Roberts, who carries a picture of Demi Leigh on his key ring, said yesterday: “It is a tragic waste of a young life for nothing. There is no reason for this at all, we are devastated.

“We have already lost two children to cystic fibrosis, Paula’s sisters, and this has added further to the family’s grief.

“If you kill someone with a gun, you can get life imprisonment, but if you kill someone with a car, the maximum you can get is 14 years and it is usually much less, only six or seven, which is ridiculous for taking someone’s life.

“But, no matter what happens, it will not bring Demi back.

“How are her little friends going to cope with this?”

At the scene of the accident, people gathered to pay tribute.

Amanda Hayden came with her son, Jack, a close school friend of Demi. She said: “Demi was a lovely little girl. Everybody is very shocked, and it is hard to explain what has happened to the children – Jack is very upset.

“We used to ask him if Demi was his little girlfriend and he would go all shy and embarrassed.

“My heart goes out to the family.”

Among the flowers and cards, a message from a school friend read: “I am sad that you have died. I will really miss you not being in my class.

“Sports day will not be the same without you.”

Another said: “You will be missed by all. Good night angel.”

And the grandparents’ message read: “Baby cakes, dance in heaven. Make them all laugh. . .

Miss you always, Nan and Grandad.”

Another friend added: “Demi, we will miss you now that you are dancing with angels, showing them who’s the best.

“I will always remember my little ‘Hello Kitty’ friend.

“Sleep peacefully, love Katie.”

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said the matter had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

She said: “Prior to the road traffic collision on Astley Road, a police patrol car driving along Derby Road, Prescot, had spotted a van, similar in description to the offending vehicle.

“The van, which was travelling in the opposite direction, was being driven in a manner which attracted the attention of the officers. The officers turned the police car round, but by the time they had reached the Brookbridge roundabout, they had lost sight of the van.

“Some time later, the road traffic collision in Astley Road was reported to police.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 5730, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

lizawilliams