Girl, 10, killed by car on pitch wanted to be pro football player

A girl who was killed when a car crashed on to a pitch where she was playing football was a "force of nature", her family has said.

Poppy Atkinson, 10, was fatally struck by the vehicle while attending a training session at Kendal Rugby Club in Cumbria on Wednesday evening.

Her family described her as the "focal point of their lives".

She was determined to be a professional footballer and play for Manchester United, they said.

An eight-year-old girl, also from Kendal, was injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Cumbria Police arrested a 40-year-old man from Lancaster on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but said there was "no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act".

Poppy's family said their lives revolved around the "small, petite and beautiful" girl's love for football, adding: "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."

"She was a force of nature. She was so special, she was too good for this world.

"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.

"The hole in our lives and so many around us that Poppy leaves is enormous, we will never be whole again."

Nick Turley, the headteacher of Old Hutton CE Primary School, where Poppy was a pupil, said the community was devastated.

"Poppy was someone who brought joy, light and happiness to all she did," he said, adding: "She had a wonderful sense of humour and a deep love of life.

"Our prayers will remain with Poppy's family and as a school community we will do all we can to support them."

Eyewitnesses at the scene on Wednesday described "sheer panic", but said staff acted very quickly to get children off the field and away from the view of the crash scene.

People have laid floral tributes and Kendal Rugby Club has cancelled its fixtures this weekend.

Club Director Reg Burrow said staff were "shell-shocked".