Tributes to 'force of nature' Poppy, 10, killed by car on football pitch

THE little girl who died after being hit by a car on a sports pitch was a "force of nature" who dreamed of playing for Manchester United and was "too good for this world", her devastated family said yesterday.

- Chris Riches

Tragic Poppy Atkinson, 10, was struck by the electric BMW i4 automatic vehicle after it ploughed through a metal perimeter fence at at a town rugby club.

Another girl, aged eight, was also hurt and taken to hospital but her injuries are not life-threatening.

After the horror in Kendal, Cumbria, on Wednesday evening, a 40-year-old man, from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was last night still being held in custody.

Cumbria Police said it is not thought to have been a "deliberate act".

In a heart-wrenching tribute to Poppy, her family said: "It was easy to see why her energy, character, spirit and passion for football was infectious and touched huge numbers of people.