The boy died in hospital two days after the horror smash in Ashton-Under-Lyne on Thursday night.
Horrified witness say the boy was about to cross the road when he was hit by one of three cars “racing” along the street.
His devastated mum was later seen “crying her eyes out” just yards from where the tragedy unfolded.
Mum-of-two Jackie Gibson, 25, said: “I heard the boy was hit by a car which went out of control.
“People rushed out to help the boy and called an ambulance.
“There were three cars involved.
“I later say his mum in a car crying her eyes out.
“It was heartbreaking.”
Local Mark Harris added: “I saw three cars race up the street and then the corner.
“The next thing I heard a loud bang.”
A 33-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving has been re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He was also arrested for driving without third party insurance.
Another man, aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Sergeant Matthew Picton of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said “Sadly, this is now a fatal collision investigation.
“This is dreadful news. Our thoughts are firmly with the young boys family and we’re determined to get them the answers they deserve.
“While we have made an arrest, our investigations remain ongoing.
“If you were on or around Ryecroft Street at the time of the incident and witnessed the collision, or saw the car involved, please contact police as a matter of urgency.
“Any dash cam or CCTV footage of the incident could prove invaluable in our search for more information.”
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2597 of 23/07/2020 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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