A child has tragically died in a serious collision at a rugby club that injured another youngster after a car reportedly drove onto a sports pitch.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 5pm today after a crash involving a black BMW i40 and two children.
The ‘devastating’ incident took place at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria.
The second child involved is being treated by paramedics and the families of both youngsters have been informed by police. It is understood that some of the young players and their coaches saw the tragedy unfold.
The driver of the car, a man in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
A photo from the scene shows a black car resting on the all-weather sports pitch next to a net, with balls scattered on the green marked out with small cones for football practice.
Officers can be seen examining the field for evidence, and pictures show a green metal fence was knocked down in the crash.
The BMW appears to have crashed through metal fencing surrounding the playing area from a narrow neighbouring car park, and landed on the pitch about 4ft below.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 5pm today after a crash involving a black BMW i40 and two children
Pictures show a green metal fence was knocked down in the crash
Officers walk by the toppled section of fence by a football net
The vehicle then travelled about a quarter of the width of the pitch.
Local Tim Easter, 34, said: ‘I drive past earlier and saw a first responder ambulance on the pitch and two bigger ambulances in the car park.
‘There were loads of police vehicles and people milling around.’
Specialist investigators are at the scene and the area has been cordoned off as initial investigation enquiries take place.
There was training for the under-14s and under-16s scheduled at the club after 6.30pm this evening.
Cops are treating this collision as an isolated incident and there is no suggestion at this time that this is terror-related.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police.
Kendal Rugby Club’s chairman Dr Stephen Green said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that an incident occurred today at Kendal Rugby Club, resulting in a tragic loss of a child’s life.
Pictured is the scene tonight, with the car still resting on the green
Police cars and ambulances are pictured at the rugby club tonight
Officers can be seen examining the area for evidence tonight
‘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.’
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: ‘This is devastating, utterly heartbreaking news.
‘I’m praying for the children and for their families and friends. Our community in Kendal is stunned and in mourning.’
A Cumbria Police spokesperson 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.
Pictured is the scene of the accident tonight
A child has been confirmed dead after being struck by a car on a pitch at Kendal Rugby Club
The scene has been cordoned off as officers examine the area
‘Police can confirm that 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.’
A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the child who sadly passed away following an incident in Kendal this afternoon.
‘We attended the scene at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, responding with two ambulances and several senior clinicians.’
A local rugby club posted on Facebook: ‘On behalf of Wigton Rugby Club, we extend our deepest condolences and support to Kendal Rugby Club during this incredibly difficult time.
The club’s chairman Dr Stephen Green said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that an incident occurred today at Kendal Rugby Club’
A child has tragically died in a serious collision that injured another youngster at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club in Westmorland and Furness
‘Our thoughts are with the club members, families, and the entire Kendal community.’
Wattsfield Youth FC posted: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by tonight’s heartbreaking tragedy at Kendal Rugby Club.
‘We are devastated for all of our friends at GT7.
‘Wattsfield FC will endeavour to support our football family at this time.’
Kendal United FC also posted on FB: ‘This afternoon a tragic event occurred at Kendal Rugby Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families at this terribly sad time.
‘We know that some Kendal United players and coaches witnessed this horrific event and as a club we would ask anyone affected to contact the committee who will offer support and help, where needed, at this incredibly sad time.’