This is the first picture of the four-year-old Friern Barnet boy killed in a hit-and-run accident.

Roque Carlos Sequiera-Pereira, from Colney Hatch Lane, posed for the annual Coppetts Wood School photographs just weeks ago.

On October 30 he was fatally injured after being hit by a car in Hampden Road, Friern Barnet, while out with his mother and twin sister Lalia. He died the next day in hospital.

Nearly 50 friends and relatives plus teachers and classmates from the Coppetts Road school attended his funeral on Wednesday last week.

Our Lady of Muswell Church in Colney Hatch Lane was packed with mourners, with the service taken in English and Portuguese, Roque's mother tongue. Afterwards, Roque was buried at St Pancras and Islington Cemetery in East Finchley High Road.

John King, site manager of Coppetts Wood School, said: "A lot of parents from school attended the funeral there the fact that they have children the same age brought it home to them I think.

"It was very sad for everybody. I think the staff have done a tremendous job of helping the kids get over this."

Mr King said a book of remembrance had been opened at the school, alongside a memorial to Roque. It would later be presented to the youngster's parents, he said.

"The school is also planning to hold its own remembrance service when a little time has passed," he added.

Witnesses should contact the police accident investigation unit on 020 8246 9852.

November 14, 2001 17:21

MATTHEW NIXSON