Police have confirmed that a girl who died after being hit by a car on a sports pitch was just 10 years old.

Officers have continued conducting their investigation into the tragic incident which occurred just before 5pm yesterday afternoon.


Emergency services were called to scene at Kendal Rugby Club just before 5pm.

Another child was also injured and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Kendal Rugby Club

A police cordon was put in place at Kendal Rugby Club in Cumbria after a child was hit by a car yesterday afternoon

PA

Officers have arrested a man in his 40s – who was behind the wheel of a black BMW i40 – on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The collision is currently being treated as an isolated incident by Cumbria Police and they have said that there was no suggestion it was terror-related.

Coaches and players at Kendal United Football Club are believed to have seen the “horrific event” play out as they were said to be training at the time.

Although police were not stationed at the scene along Shap Road today, forensic tape has covered up two panels of metal fencing on the pitch parameter – which seems to be flattened by the vehicle.

It has also been reported that tyre marks are visible along the ground.

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A statement from Kendal United FC shared online 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.”

Meanwhile, a message from Kendal Rugby Club reads: “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.”

While the authorities conduct the investigation, the club and all its facilities will be temporarily closed.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said he was “praying” for the children involved in the “devastating, utterly heartbreaking news”, adding that Kendal is “stunned and in mourning”.

Kendal Rugby Club

Although police were not stationed at the scene along Shap Road today, forensic tape has covered up two panels of metal fencing on the pitch parameter – which seems to be flattened by the vehicle

PA

A number of well-wishers have since left bouquets at the scene, including one coach at Kendal United.

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.”