TRIBUTES have poured in for a 10-year-old killed in a horror collision involving a BMW car on a children's sports pitch.
Poppy Atkinson tragically died when a black BMW i4 collided with two children at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Wednesday.
The second child, an eight-year-old girl from Kendal was rushed to hospital, however, her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
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Police arrested a 40-year-old man from Lancaster on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was later taken into police custody. Poppy's family have now released an emotional image, paying tribute to the "special" little girl following her death.
"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% 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.
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"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 7-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."
- 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. You can also call 101.
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