Family pays tribute to Alfie Brown after he was killed in hit-and-run

He had a sweet tooth and spent most of the money earned on his paper round on pastries. 

He dreamed of one day becoming a chef, even though his version of fine food was to put cheese on top of everything. 

But the life of Alfie Brown, from North Walsham, was tragically cut short after he died in a hit-and-run at Swafield, near North Walsham at 6.24pm on Thursday, August 10.

Alfie’s dad, Andrew Brown, and step-mum, Devan Green, said they were both devastated and still coming to terms with his loss.

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Alfie Brown loved spending time outdoors (Image: Supplied by the family)

“I miss him and I love him,” Mr Brown, 50, said. “I wish I could see him one more time.” 

Miss Green, 29, added: “It comes in waves. You feel a bit numb and then it hits you like concrete.”

Alfie was cycling home from Knapton when he was he was hit by a white Ford Ranger.

READ MORE: Public meeting planned after teen cyclist's hit-and-run death

Alfie in his school uniform (Image: Supplied by the family)

An off-duty fireman tried to resuscitate him, while a woman who lives nearby came to give him comfort and hold his hand, and another woman redirected traffic. 

Miss Green said: “There were so many people that tried and we couldn’t be more grateful. The whole town has really rallied around, and there are witnesses who have come forward and been so brave to say their piece.”

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Flowers left in Swafield for Alfie Brown, who died in a hit-and-run (Image: Adam Barker)

Realising his son was late home, Mr Brown drove towards Knapton and was stopped by police at Swafield bridge, and he was told his son had died, just several hundred metres away. 

The man in his 50s who was driving the truck did not stop but was later found and arrested. Police questioned him on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene. He has now been released on bail until November 9. 

Flowers left in Swafield for Alfie Brown, who died in a hit-and-run (Image: Supplied by the family)

A GoFundMe page set up to help fund Alfie’s funeral has raised more than £14,000.

Miss Green said Alfie played in a band at North Walsham High School - where he was about to start Year 9.

She said: “He’s gone through so many different phases of music, at one point he liked rap. 

Alfie Brown, swimming at Ebridge Mill. This was the last photo his dad Andrew, took of him before he died (Image: Supplied by the family)

“I think when he came into his personality, he started to like Nirvana and Slipknot and quite heavy music like that. 

“He had a ukelele as well and he always wanted a drumset.”

Miss Green said Alfie “begrudgingly” got out of bed to deliver newspapers on his round, but he enjoyed the independence of earning some money. 

He also loved riding his scooter, swimming, spending time outdoors and generally having fun with friends. 

Alfie Brown. One of his passions was for food and cooking (Image: Supplied by the family)

Miss Green said they kept remembering the “little things” about Alfie that made his life so special. 

She said: “I keep thinking back to last Christmas. When he opened up his presents, it was the best Christmas of his life. 

“And I think back to when we went on holidays last year to Fuerteventura, and he was so scared of the big slide, so we went down it together.”

Alfie’s siblings said in a shared message that they would always be proud of their “beautiful brother”.

They said: “Thank you for letting us experience your love, your humour and your smile.

“We will look for you in rainbows, in feathers, in sunsets and in the brightest of stars.

“We miss you more than words can say and always will, until we are all whole again.

“You’ll always be with us, Alfie, in our hearts.

“Sleep peacefully our beautiful brother.

“Matt, Jess, Hazel, Anna, Josh & Ivan xx”.