POLICE have released a photo of the man who ran over and killed an 11-year-old boy and then failed to show up for the trial.

Haroon Siddique

POLICE have released a photo of the man who ran over and killed an 11-year-old boy and then failed to show up for the trial.

Yehia Hachem hit Hampstead School pupil Liam Hannon on Cricklewood Lane in November 2005 and then pretended to be a witness to cover up his involvement.

Police have launched a manhunt for the 56-year-old who was sentenced to 18 months in jail in his absence at Harrow Crown Court last week.

Sergeant Harry Wilkinson, from the traffic police, said: "In his car, he struck Liam and left him in the road and then attempted to hide the fact and destroy the evidence linking him to Liam's death.

"Just because the court case is over doesn't mean we're not looking for him. I am doing everything I possibly can to find him.

"We'd like to hear from anyone who's seen Mr Hachem recently or knows of his whereabouts."

Liam was on his way to an internet café to do his English homework when he was hit by Hachem's car and dragged under its wheels.

Hachem was seen standing over Liam immediately after the accident. But an hour later he went to Golders Green police station with his 13-year-old daughter and they told officers the driver of a small silver car was responsible.

Police were led on a wild goose chase to find the car described by Hachem but forensic evidence linked his vehicle to Liam's death.

A jury found him guilty of perverting the course of justice, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and careless driving.

Hachem was last seen by police in court on February 2, the Friday before the trial was due to begin, and neighbours reported seeing him that weekend.

There are fears Hachem, who holds both a British and Egyptian passport, may have gone overseas.

Sergeant Wilkinson said: "I have to consider it's a possibility he might have fled the country. There's no one living at the family home and one can only assume wherever he is his wife and daughter are with him but they could be anywhere in this country."

Police have already made inquiries at ports and contacted Interpol and the Egyptian authorities.

Barbara Bate, a friend of Liam's family, said: "I just didn't think people do this kind of thing. It's taken such a long time, this is not the end of it."

Anyone who has seen Hachem or has information as to his whereabouts should call the Collision Investigation Unit on 020-8246 9890. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

haroon.siddique@hamhigh.co.uk