THE young boy who survived the double-decker bus accident which killed six-year-old Ashley Whiteway has returned home from hospital.

Dean Harle, eight, was left with serious head injuries when he and Ashley ran out in front of the Stagecoach bus in Westlea Avenue on August 7.

The pair from Toothill were rushing to meet friends at Westlea Rec when the bus hit them.

The collision killed Ashley and left Dean fighting for his life.

But now, almost a month on from the accident which shook the Toothill community, Dean has returned to his Oakham Close home.

Police spokesman Martin Dunscombe said: “I can confirm Dean Harle has returned home with his parents and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.”

There is fresh speculation that young Dean may have not heard the bus which claimed the life of his friend because he is partially deaf.

Friends and neighbours of the youngster believe that, had he been able to hear, he would not have followed his young friend into the road.

One friend – who didn’t want to be named – said: “Maybe if he could hear the bus he wouldn’t have run out.

“But it’s easy to say ‘maybe’ and ‘what-if’ after something has already happened. Ashley could hear and see and he still died – so who knows.”

Police have refused to confirm if Dean is profoundly or partially deaf but have said they are investigating all lines of inquiry available.

Mr Dunscombe added: “We’re still keen to speak to anyone that witnessed this incident who may not have come forward in the past.

“We will continue this investigation but would like to speak to anyone we may not have heard from already.”

It is not clear if police will question Dean about the tragedy which claimed his friend’s life and police have been unable to comment.

Friends say he was told of Ashley’s death just before the funeral, giving Dean time to send flowers to the service which took place exactly two weeks after that fateful evening.

A date has not yet been set for the inquest into Ashley death.