An investigation has been launched after a car struck and killed an eight-year-old girl at a rally in Portugal.
Pictures have emerged of the youngster - named locally as Vitoria Yasmin - who died in hospital after she was hit by the rally car travelling at high speed on the island of Madeira on Saturday.
An investigation into her death has since been announced by prosecutors.
Initial reports suggested that the child collided with the vehicle as she crossed the road to join up with two older children, including her sister.
But it has since emerged that her parents were present at the race too and, along with another of their children, were among a group of people who crossed the road seconds earlier.
Vitoria was said to have mistakenly believed the last vehicle had already gone by when she decided to run onto the rally circuit. But Miguel Gouveia’s BMW emerged six seconds later.
TV footage showed the moment the car that hit the girl came to a stop in a cloud of white smoke after the accident as shocked onlookers moved towards the crash scene to assist, although the images of the collision itself were pixelated.
The girl received prompt medical attention in the Encumeada area of Madeira where the drama occurred before her transfer to the Dr Nelio Mendonca Hospital in the island capital Funchal.
The tragedy occurred during the 63rd edition of the Madeira Wine Rally, the most prestigious and historic motor racing event in Madeira.
At least two people believed to be the tragic child's parents could be seen crossing the road in front of her before the horror crash.
Rally organisers said in a statement: “We regrettably confirm the youngster involved in an accident was not able to survive the injuries she suffered.
“In this painful moment we would like to send our condolences to her family and friends.”
Portugal’s president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said: “I send my condolences to the family and friends that are grieving.”
The probe is expected to look at whether the girl's parents or the organisers of the rally acted with negligence.
A number of signs were erected along the rally course banning spectators from crossing while the race was under way.
A police officer is said to have been in position close to where the incident happened, but was unable to intervene before it was too late.
But local press reports cited witness accounts that several spectators had already crossed the road before Vitoria and her family.
The Madeira Wine Rally brings thousands of spectators out onto the roads to watch drivers compete through the island's hilly terrain and natural landscapes. It is traditionally held in the late summer, in August or late July. The first edition took place in 1959.
