Police Renew Warning Over Unsecured Loads After Boy's Death

The mother of an 11-year-old boy killed by an unsecured scaffold board has backed a police operation warning drivers about the dangers of unsafe loads.

Harry Dennis, from Hastings, died after being struck by a scaffold board which fell from a van in East Sussex in December 2022.

His mother Maria has supported Operation Rule for a third year, urging motorists to take a few extra minutes to check their loads are properly secured.

The latest operation was carried out by Sussex Police's Commercial Vehicle Unit, alongside the DVSA and National Highways, at the A23 checkpoint at Handcross.

Open-bed trucks, lorries and vehicles towing trailers were among those stopped and inspected.

Police say the operation is part of wider road safety work carried out throughout the year.

Maria says Harry's death was preventable and she wants to ensure other families don't suffer the same loss.

In 2024, more than 70% of vehicles stopped nationally during the campaign were found to have insecure loads. Last year, the figure was nearly 60%.

Police are urging anyone carrying a load to make sure it is secure before setting off.