Photos have shown the remains of a protective fence which lay in tatters down a four foot drop at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, where children were playing football as a car burst through
Video Unavailable
Kendal tragedy: Emergency services at the scene
Fence panelling lay in tatters where a car drove through it and on to a sports pitch where children were playing, killing one of the young footballers.
At least one youngster has died in this afternoon’s tragedy at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, Cumbria. Another child also hit by the car, a black BMW i40, is currently being cared for by paramedics at the scene of the shock incident.
Photos have shown where the car burst through a fence protecting those playing football at the time. In the images, the seriously damaged section of green fence can be seen where the black vehicle burst through at around 5pm.
It has been nearly cut in two by the force, with it still barely connected to the wall. The driver would have experienced a four-foot drop to the playing surface below. The driver of the car has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: “Emergency services are in attendance at a serious collision in Kendal. Police were contacted at 4:58pm today (5 March) with a report of a collision involving a car and two children on a pitch at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Shap Road.
“Police can confirm one of the children involved has sadly died. The second child involved in this collision is being treated by paramedics.
“Immediate family members of both respective children have been informed. Specialist investigators are at the scene and the area has been cordoned off as initial investigation enquiries take place. The driver of the car, a man aged in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
“The car involved was a black BMW i40. Police are treating this collision as an isolated incident and there is no suggestion at this time that this is terror-related.”
Stephen Green, chairman of Kendal Rugby Club, added: “We are deeply saddened to confirm 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 cooperating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation. The Club and all facilities are temporarily closed while this is carried out.”
Anyone who 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.
