Father of Arlo Buckley describes 'anger' after Shotton hit-and-run

A young boy suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a motorbike in a hit-and-run incident, leaving his family devastated by both the accident and the rider’s decision to flee. Danny Buckley, the father of eight-year-old Arlo, described the lingering anger he feels over the events, which took place in September 2024 as Arlo was crossing the street in Shotton, Flintshire. Arlo was hit and dragged along the road, sustaining serious injuries.

At the time of the crash, Arlo was six years old. His injuries were extensive and severe, including a broken femur, multiple fractures to his skull near his left ear, bruising on his brain, fractures to his pelvis, and a broken left shoulder. After suffering a seizure at the scene, he was placed into an induced coma by medical staff and airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. His father accompanied him during the transfer. At the hospital, Arlo underwent scans and a procedure to alleviate pressure on his brain, remaining in intensive care in a coma for five days. It was later discovered that he had a blocked artery in the neck supplying blood to his brain, and he was prescribed blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke.

Danny recalls receiving a call from Arlo’s sister Olivia, who witnessed the crash and informed him that the motorcyclist had driven away without helping his unconscious brother. Danny expressed frustration and disappointment over this, saying, “I would have been a bit more compassionate towards Kaylem if he did stop and he did help my son who was lying there unconscious,” but added, “because he left him there… and just to pick his motorbike up and push it down the street like nothing has happened, it doesn’t sit well with me at all.” The motorbike rider, 18-year-old Kaylem Longhurst from Nantwich, Cheshire, admitted to dangerous driving related to the crash and was found guilty of attempting to evade justice.

The aftermath of the incident has deeply affected Arlo’s family beyond his physical injuries. Arlo’s behavior and personality have changed markedly due to the brain injury, becoming more short-tempered, easily frustrated, and fatigued. “He’s not the same boy… in school you know, they remember Arlo being this gentle calm boy and now they’ve seen a real difference in him,” Danny said. Meanwhile, Arlo’s recovery has been gradual and supported by a return to school on a limited timetable with extra help, which his family appreciates greatly. Additionally, the trauma has extended to Arlo’s sister Olivia, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, with both her and their mother receiving specialist counselling. The family’s current focus remains on ensuring Arlo continues to receive the rehabilitation and support he needs moving forward

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