A man who was arrested in connection with a collision in Kendal, which resulted in the death of a 10-year-old girl, has been released under investigation.
Cumbria police said the man, 40, of Lancaster, has been released as investigations continue into the incident, which happened on Wednesday at Kendal Rugby Club.
The constabulary said officers were working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Yesterday, they said there was no indication that the incident was a deliberate act.
The girl killed was Poppy Atkinson, a keen footballer, who wanted to play for Manchester United.
Her family have paid tribute to her.
They said: “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.”
Police were contacted at around 5pm on Wednesday, March 5, after a report of a collision involving a black BMW i4 and two children on a sports pitch at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Shap Road.
The second child, an eight-year-old girl from Kendal, was taken to hospital for treatment. Her injuries are not life-threatening.
The 40-year-old man, from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Police said enquiries were continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and to inform a future coronial process.
A multi-agency response will continue today to support people affected by this incident, they added.
Anyone who directly witnessed the collision is asked to contact police by reporting online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 195 of 5 March or call 101.
Chairman of Kendal Rugby Club, Dr Stephen Green, released a statement on the club’s Facebook page.
He 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 co-operating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation – the club and all facilities are temporarily closed while this is carried out.”
Westmorland & Lonsdale MP Tim Farron 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.”
Local Westmorland & Furness councillors, Jonathan Cornthwaite and Shirley Evans issued a joint statement.
They 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.”
