Police have announced that a child who died after being hit by a car on a rugby pitch was a ten-year-old girl. Many people saw the incident as it happened and locals have described it as a ‘tragedy’.
Tributes have poured in, with people leaving flowers. One local said the collision in Kendal was a “tragic, tragic thing. Horrendous.”
Cumbria Police say that officers were contacted at 4.58pm yesterday, Wednesday, March 5, about a collision involving a black BMW i4 and two children on a sports pitch at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, Shap Road.
Players and coaches from Kendal United Football Club, who are thought to have been training at the time, are said to have witnessed the “horrific event”.
Specialist officers are supporting the grieving family, who are from Kendal. The second child, an eight-year-old girl from Kendal, was taken to hospital for treatment but her injuries are not life-threatening.
The force said there is no suggestion the incident is terror-related. They said in a statement: “At this time, there is no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act. A 40-year-old man, from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
“He remains in police custody. Investigative enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and to inform a future coronial process.
“A multi-agency response will continue today to support people affected by this incident. Anyone who directly witnessed the collision is asked to contact police by reporting online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 195 of 5 March. You can also call 101.”
The Press Association reports that officers were not stationed at the scene in Shap Road on Thursday. However, forensic tape covered two panels of metal fencing on the pitch parameter, which appeared to have been flattened from the collision.
Tyre marks could also be seen on the pitch. A statement from Kendal United FC shared on social media said: “This afternoon a tragic event occurred at Kendal Rugby Club.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families at this terribly sad time. We know that some Kendal United players and coaches witnessed this horrific event and as a club we would ask anyone affected to contact the committee who will offer support and help, where needed, at this incredibly sad time.”
A message from Kendal Rugby Club said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that an incident occurred today at Kendal Rugby Club, resulting in a tragic loss of a child’s life. Our thoughts are with their family and friends and we kindly ask for privacy for all involved at this difficult time.
“We are co-operating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation – the club and all facilities are temporarily closed while this is carried out.” Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said on X: “This is devastating, utterly heartbreaking news. I’m praying for the children and for their families and friends.
“Our community in Kendal is stunned and in mourning.” People have also left flowers at the scene.
A note attached to one bouquet said: “Sending our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Love Wattsfield Wanderers U9s.”
A coach at Kendal United, who asked not to be named, was among those to lay tributes. He said several local football clubs and academies play and train at the site. He said: “It’s just a tragedy, it’s absolutely shocking, this shouldn’t happen, kids have just come to play a game of football.
“I know a lot of the kids that come here, I know a lot of the coaches. I spoke to one or two last night, they are devastated, absolutely devastated.
“You bring your kids down here to have a game of football and training, that’s what you do. You don’t expect anything like this to happen. It’s obviously a tragic, tragic thing. Horrendous.
“The amount of children who would have been here last night who witnessed it, the trauma they probably will go through, you can’t even bear to think what they are going through.
“Just awful. My heart goes out to the coaches, the kids and the families.”