A FOUR-year-old boy was killed after being thrown under the wheels of a bus near his home, while out riding his bike an inquest heard.

Jordan Hynes was hit by a red Nissan Micra and was then catapulted into the path of the 593 First bus travelling along Wigan Road, Leigh, last February, the inquest in Bolton was told.

Deputy coroner Alan Walsh, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, was told James had ridden his bicycle off the pavement and on to a zebra crossing without stopping, near the junction with Browning Street.

After being struck by the car at 3.50pm on Saturday February 26, Jordan was taken to Wigan Royal Infirmary and was pronounced dead on arrival. He had suffered extensive brain injuries. Jordan's mother, Sharon, of Cameron Street, Westleigh, and his brother and sister said they were still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

And in a statement read out by the police, Carol Reilly, driver of the red Nissan Micra, said: "It was my daughter's birthday the following week and I was going to Leigh to buy her a present. I was driving along Wigan Road and a little boy just came out in front of me. I didn't see him."

Coroner Walsh said: "This was an accidental death, an unintended occurance that caused the tragic death of Jordan Daniel Hynes.

"There is nothing more tragic than the death of a child, especially one that has no illness and who was just out playing on his bicycle."

Jordan's death was the second fatality in Wigan Road in two years.

Joiner Jack Sharrock was killed in February 2003 when he was struck by a Citreon Berlingo as he crossed Wigan Road to get his cigarettes from the Royal Oak pub.

Following the two deaths, residents called for action in a bid to stop any future tragedies.