Sophia McDonald.
A seven-year-old girl has died after she was hit by a skip lorry as she crossed a road in Coventry.
The girl, who has been named by police as Sophia McDonald, was on Henley Road, in Wood End, when she was struck by the “slow moving” lorry at about 16:00 BST on Tuesday, police said.
A GP from a nearby practice got to the scene ahead of paramedics, but the child was confirmed dead at the scene.
The girl’s mother and the truck driver were treated for the effects of shock.
A statement from Sophia’s family said: “She was a beautiful angel, the happiest child with a beautiful cheeky smile.
“She was a very loving, kind hearted, happy-go-lucky little girl who loved her family. We are devastated at her loss.”
Relative Donna Proctor told BBC News she was with the child’s mother when the crash happened and they heard a “screech”.
“My cousin was just running round and round in circles in the middle of the road just screaming…. there was nothing we could do for her daughter.”
St Laurence’s CE Primary school, in Old Church Road, Coventry, released a statement: “It has been reported in the local press and social media that a seven-year-old girl was killed yesterday in a road traffic accident in the Bell Green area of Coventry.
“As you can imagine the school community is deeply shocked and saddened. We are currently helping pupils, staff and parents come to terms with this heart-breaking news.
Witness Joanne Taylor said: “People just covered her over with blankets.
“Obviously the ambulances came, the police came… the mother was distraught, just running around hysterically screaming ‘my baby, my baby’. It was really upsetting.”
The girl’s mother and driver of the lorry were both taken to hospital.
The road was closed for several hours while emergency services investigated the crash.
Sgt Alan Wood, from West Midlands Police, who appealed to witnesses to contact the force, said: “This appears to have been a tragic accident; our thoughts are with the family of the little girl at this difficult time, who are being supported by specialist officers.” (bbcnews)
