The parents of a 10-year-old girl who died when an electric BMW ploughed into a sports pitch have paid tribute to their ‘infectious’ and ‘beautiful’ daughter.
Aspiring footballer Poppy Atkinson was killed after being struck by the car at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, in Cumbria, last night.
Her grief-stricken family today described her as a ‘force of nature’ who was ‘too good for this world’ and revealed how her seven-year-old brother Edward ‘worshipped the ground she walked on’ and ‘only ever wanted to be like her’.
A second child, an eight-year-old girl from Kendal, was rushed to hospital for treatment but her injuries are not life-threatening, Cumbria Police said.
Detectives continue to quiz a 40-year-old man, from Lancaster, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
Poppy, from Kendal, was described by her family as the ‘focal point of our lives’ in an emotional tribute as she was named for the first time today.
The young girl dreamed of becoming a footballer for Manchester United and idolised some of the club’s biggest stars, across the men’s and women’s teams.
In an touching tribute, Poppy’s family said: ‘Poppy was the focal point of our lives, everything for us revolved around Poppy’s love for football.
‘Poppy touched so many lives, it was easy to see why, her energy, character, spirit and passion for football was infectious and touched huge numbers of people.
‘Poppy was 100 per cent determined to be a professional footballer. Many who know her, and who know her determination to improve and win, had no doubt she would achieve her goal to one day to play for Manchester United.
‘Poppy idolised Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Mainoo and Messi to name a few. Poppy was a small, petite and beautiful 10-year-old, yet she played up an age group and proudly represented the Kendal United and county U-12 teams.
‘Poppy earned her place through her determination and her technical mastery on the pitch, her skill was envied by most that she played with and against.
‘Poppy was sister to seven-year-old Edward. Edward worshipped the ground Poppy walked on, he only ever wanted to be like her. Poppy would coach and support Edward with his football, it was so beautiful to see.
‘The hole in our lives and so many around us that Poppy leaves is enormous, we will never be whole again. This world has lost a spirit like no other, she was a force of nature. She was so special, she was too good for this world.’
In an update this morning, Cumbria Police said: ‘At this time, there is no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act.’
Specialist officers are supporting Poppy’s family.
Police were first contacted at 4.58pm yesterday with a report of a collision involving a black BMW i4 and two children at the football club.
In an update today, Cumbria Police said: ‘Investigative inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and to inform a future coronial process.’
It is understood a Kendal United Football Club training session was taking place at the time of the tragedy.
A photo from the scene shows a black car resting on the all-weather sports pitch next to a net, with balls scattered on the green marked out with small cones for practice.
Officers can be seen examining the field for evidence, and pictures show a green metal fence was knocked down in the crash.
The BMW appears to have driven through metal fencing surrounding the playing area from a narrow neighbouring car park, and landed on the pitch about 4ft below.
The vehicle then travelled about a quarter of the width of the pitch.
Tim Easter, 34, said: ‘I drive past earlier and saw a first responder ambulance on the pitch and two bigger ambulances in the car park.
‘There were loads of police vehicles and people milling around.’
Specialist investigators are at the scene and the area has been cordoned off as initial investigations take place.
There was training for the under-14s and under-16s scheduled at the club after 6.30pm last night.
Officers are treating the collision as an isolated incident and there is no suggestion at this time that this is terror-related.
Anyone who witnessed the collision has been asked to contact police.
Kendal Rugby Club’s chairman Dr Stephen Green previously 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 cooperating 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: ‘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.’
A Cumbria Police spokesman previously said: ‘Emergency services are in attendance at a serious collision in Kendal.
‘Police were contacted at 4:58pm today (5 March) with a report of a collision involving a car and two children on a pitch at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Shap Road.
‘Police can confirm that one of the children involved has sadly died. The second child involved in this collision is being treated by paramedics.
‘Immediate family members of both respective children have been informed.
‘Specialist investigators are at the scene and the area has been cordoned off as initial investigation inquiries take place.
‘The driver of the car, a man aged in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The car involved was a black BMW i40.’
A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the child who sadly passed away following an incident in Kendal this afternoon.
‘We attended the scene at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, responding with two ambulances and several senior clinicians.’
A local rugby club posted on Facebook: ‘On behalf of Wigton Rugby Club, we extend our deepest condolences and support to Kendal Rugby Club during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Our thoughts are with the club members, families, and the entire Kendal community.’
Wattsfield Youth FC posted: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by tonight’s heartbreaking tragedy at Kendal Rugby Club.
‘We are devastated for all of our friends at GT7.
‘Wattsfield FC will endeavour to support our football family at this time.’
Kendal United FC also posted on Facebook: ‘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.’