The child who died in a car collision at a sports pitch in Kendal, Cumbria, has been named as 10-year-old Poppy Atkinson.
Officers were called to Kendal rugby union football club in Shap Road just before 5pm on Wednesday after receiving reports of a collision involving a black BMW i4 and two children on a sports pitch, where children were playing football.
Poppy, who idolised England’s Lionesses and dreamed of playing the sport professionally, was killed and the second child was injured.
“Poppy was the focal point of our lives, everything for us revolved around Poppy’s love for football,” her family said in a statement.
“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.”
Specialist officers are continuing to support Poppy’s family, who are from Kendal, police said.
The second child, an eight-year-old girl also from Kendal, was being treated in hospital. The force said her injuries were not life-threatening.
“At this time, there is no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act,” police said.
A 40-year-old man from Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
Poppy’s family said: “Poppy was 100% 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 play for Manchester United.
“Poppy idolised Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, [Kobbie] Mainoo and [Lionel] 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 shared a love of football with her younger brother, seven-year-old Edward, her family said.
“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,” the family added.
Manchester United said: “On behalf of Ella, Kobbie and everyone at Manchester United, we send our heartfelt condolences to Poppy’s family and friends for their devastating loss.
“Rest in peace Poppy.”
At the rugby club, a section between the car park and the pitch has been cordoned off with police tape, where a green fence panel has been bent out of place.
Several floral tributes have been laid at the scene, with some people in tears as they left their bouquets.
“Sending our sincere condolences, our thoughts are with you all at this sad time,” read one, while another card said: “Rest in peace beautiful.”
“Investigative inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and to inform a future coronial process,” Cumbria police said.
“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, or by calling 101.
