Girl, 10, dies in car collision on sports pitch

Police say the death of a 10-year-old girl struck by a car on a sports pitch in Cumbria is not thought to have been a “deliberate act”.

Emergency services were called to the collision involving a black BMW i4 at Kendal Rugby Club shortly before 5pm on Wednesday.

The girl’s family, from Kendal, are being supported by specialist officers.

An eight-year-old girl, from Kendal, was also hit by the vehicle and was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not life-threatening.

A 40-year-old man, from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody.

In a statement, Cumbria Constabulary said: “At this time, there is no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act.

“A multi-agency response will continue today to support people affected by this incident.”

Anyone who directly witnessed the collision should contact police by reporting online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 195 of March 5, or by calling 101.

Officers were not stationed at the scene in Shap Road on Thursday but forensic tape covered two panels of metal fencing on the pitch parameter, which appeared to have been flattened from the collision.

Tyre marks were also visible on the pitch.

Players and coaches from Kendal United Football Club are said to have witnessed the “horrific event”.

It is understood that youth players from the GT7 football academy, run by former Morecambe and Bradford City forward Garry Thompson, were also at the ground.

In a post on its Facebook page, Carnforth Rangers FC said: “Sending all our thoughts and prayers to all the families affected by last night’s heartbreaking tragedy at Kendal Rugby Club.

“We are devastated for all of our friends at GT7 and offer all our support to the grassroots football family at this time.”

In a message shared on social media, Kendal United Football Club said: “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.”

Tim Farron, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said he has been “praying” for the children involved.

“This is devastating, utterly heartbreaking news,” he posted on X.

“I’m praying for the children and for their families and friends.

“Our community in Kendal is stunned and in mourning.”

Well-wishers left flowers at the scene.

A note attached to one bouquet read: “Sending our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Love Wattsfield Wanderers U9s.”

A coach at Kendal United, who did not wish to be named, was among those to lay tributes.

He said a number of 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.”

In a joint statement, the mayor of Kendal, Jonathan Cornthwaite, and fellow Westmorland and Furness councillor Shirley Evans, said: “We are devastated by this event and our hearts go out to all of those affected, from the families involved to those who witnessed this horrific event.

“I know we speak on behalf of the community when we say how shocked and distressed everyone is by this tragic incident and our thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families, at this sad time.

“We also want to thank everyone who responded so quickly, from the paramedics to the police.”