Kochi (Keralam) | A seven-year-old boy was killed after a speeding tipper lorry knocked him down in front of his father at Nadungapara near here on Monday, police said.

The deceased was identified as Joshua Basil, a native of Nadungapara.

According to police, the child had gone with his father to buy groceries around 9.30 am.

While returning home, they stopped by the roadside near a curve, a short distance from their house.

The boy was standing close to his father when the tipper lorry allegedly struck him.

Though the child noticed the speeding vehicle and tried to move away, he was hit before he could avoid the lorry, police said.

The child died on the spot.

His father escaped unhurt, police said.

Residents alleged that the accident occurred on the Kottappadi-Kuruppampady road, which is frequently used by tipper lorries that often ply at high speeds.

His body has been shifted to a hospital, and further proceedings are underway, police said.

Police registered a case and started the investigation, officials added.