A surgeon accused of causing the death of his seven-year-old son in a car crash appeared for the first time today at Liverpool Crown Court.

Snehal Patel is alleged to have caused the death of Krishan Patel by driving a black Honda CRV dangerously on Saughall Massie Road, Meols, on September 17 last year.

39-year-old Patel, of Bramhall Close, West Kirby, did not enter a plea but a date for his trial, expected to last five days, was fixed to begin on December 10.

He was further remanded on bail until September 21 when he is expected to enter his plea.

The little boy, who was in the back seat of the Honda, was taken to hospital after the car collided with a silver Vauxhall Astra but died as a result of his injuries.

His father and mother were also injured in the crash and admitted to hospital.

Flowers, messages and tributes, including teddy bears, were left at the scene of the tragedy.