FLORAL tributes were being laid at the spot where an eight-year-old was killed during a summer trip.
Scarlett Rossborough was struck by a car while walking with a group of children in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim.
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The Larne schoolgirl died at the scene on the town’s High Street.
A boy, aged five, is still being treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast.
His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Emergency services were alerted at 11.40am yesterday to the one-vehicle collision in the High Street area of the town.
Four emergency crews raced to the scene, including the charity-funded Air Ambulance.
Today, PSNI’s District Commander for Mid and East Antrim Superintendent Gillian Kearney said: “My colleagues and I are profoundly saddened by what occurred in Carrickfergus yesterday morning.
“It is too soon to fully comprehend exactly what happened, and we understand the significant impact and unimaginable pain this dreadful event will have on the family, the other children involved, the staff and their families.”
She went on: “We have appointed two dedicated family liaison officers to offer specialist support to the bereaved family during this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts are very much with them as they come to terms with the loss of their daughter under such tragic circumstances.
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“The welfare of all of those involved, including members of the public who provided assistance at the scene, our own officers and our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Helicopter Emergency Medical Service who responded to carry out emergency CPR, remains a top priority and we will be doing everything we can to support them.
“I would also like to pass on my sincere thanks to wider members of the community who remained patient during and after the incident, this never goes unnoticed and was greatly appreciated.”
Shocked and heartbroken residents paid tribute to Scarlett with beautiful messages and flowers left at the scene.
‘REST EASY ANGEL’
Pink and white bunches were placed carefully on the side of the road, near a smashed wall with broken tiles.
Small notes reading “rest easy angel” were attached.
Tributes were also paid to Scarlett on social media, with many sending their condolences to the families involved in the accident.
One person said: “So so sad my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time.”
Someone else wrote: “Heartbreaking. Fly high beautiful angel sincere deepest sympathy to the family.”
Another added: “Heartbreaking praying for family at this devastating time”.
A young boy was also involved in the crash but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
PEOPLE LEFT NUMB
Local UUP MLA John Stewart said people have been left “numb with grief”.
He said: “It happened in the most public of places and it is absolutely heartbreaking.
“As a parent my heart goes out the families who are grieving.
“It’s the worst possible thing you can imagine.
“I am also thinking of the young boy in hospital and praying that he pulls through.”
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said: “What should have been a simple trip into town has turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.
“I wish to thank the emergency services for their quick response to the accident today, and commend them for the devotion to duty that is often encountered in the most troubling of situations.”
Mr Dickson said it has been “a very difficult day for all those in the town centre of Carrickfergus and indeed the wider community.”
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