The family of hit-and-run victim Ross Doyle are waiting to find out if three new arrests are the "final piece of the jigsaw" needed to catch his killer.

Ross, nine, was killed by a joyrider in Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, on December 13, 2000.

The family's hopes have been raised in the past when police made arrests, but no-one has ever been charged.

Ross's mother, Cheryl Doyle, said that the past 18 months had been "pure hell", but she was optimistic the culprits would be caught.

Mrs Doyle, 39, of Redwood Close, Greater Leys, said: "This might be the final piece of the jigsaw.

"If they're prosecuted it will be a big bonus. But if they're not, people will eventually be caught. We're trying not to get our hopes up too much.

"It has been pure hell. For me personally it's still very hard to take in. I still look at the picture of Ross and think it's not really true.

"It's still very hard for everyone, not just me, but the whole family. It's just a nightmare."

A 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on Wednesday, May 22.

The following morning, a 21-year-old man was arrested.

All three have been released on police bail until June 25 pending further inquiries.

Police were not prepared to say whether any of the three had been arrested before in connection with the case.

Previously, a woman in her early 20s, a man in his 20s, and three teenage youths had been arrested and released without charge.

Ross's grandmother, Diane Verlander, 61, of Donnington Bridge Road, Oxford, said: "We just hope now it's the right three. It's gone on such a long time.

"This is bringing it all back. We just hope and pray now this is near the end."