Grandad battles to save 18-month-old grandson

By Jeremy Armstrong Jeremy.Armstrong@Mirror.Co.Uk 9/02/2008

A grandad yesterday told how he frantically battled to save his 18-month-old grandson after the tot was run over by his dad's car.

Little Jake Younger was knocked down and killed as father Neil Lawson reversed his 4x4 into the family drive.

Alan Younger desperately gave first aid when son-in-law Neil, 29, burst into his nearby home carrying his dying son.

Factory worker Alan, 55, said: "Jake was limp and breathing, but not properly. I put him on the rug in front of the fire and was trying to resuscitate him and give him the kiss of life.

"I thought I had done it because he coughed up blood."

Paramedics and police then arrived but Jake died before they left the house for hospital.

His grandad laid bare his grief at the angelic toddler's death. He said: "Jake was great, just starting to get on his feet, and loveable. We're devastated."

Neil, also a factory worker, was manoeuvring his Land Rover Free-lander into their home in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, when Jake ran out and was crushed under its wheels. Jake's mum Julie, 25 - Alan's daughter - was out with her mother Brenda and Alan had to phone with the grim news. Brenda, 51, said Jake's parents were "devastated" at Thursday evening's horror.

She and Alan have another daughter, Amanda, nine, but had not yet told her or Jake's brother Owen, four.

Alan revealed: "Amanda asked, 'Dad, are you going to see Jake in hospital?' I said yes and I'd tell her after. She loved Jake. She still doesn't know."

Neighbours also told of their shock. One, Brian Coulson, said: "I heard screams from outside.

"When I went out the car was jacked up. A policeman came to my door and when I asked if the child was involved he said, 'Yes', then shook his head."

Another said: "It's a cruel thing to happen to good people."