Mum’s heartbreak as daughter, 2, killed in lorry crash ‘murder-suicide’

A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her "precious" two-year-old daughter who was killed in a possible murder-suicide.

Oria Henry and her dad Ashley Henry, 35, were travelling in a Blue Nissan Qashqai, which collided with a lorry in Anwick, Lincolnshire, on Sunday at around 2.45pm.

Both were declared dead at the scene.

Lincolnshire Police said that after "careful consideration", it has launched a murder investigation into Oria's death, which is in its early stages. The force is yet to confirm the suspect's identity.

The Mirror understands that there are a number of theories, one of which is a possible murder-suicide.

Oria's mother, Rachael, has since taken to social media saying: "The emptiness I feel is indescribable."

She expressed her grief over what she described as a "callous and calculated act", adding: "You didn't deserve this sweetheart."

The mum wrote: "Update: circumstances are being treated as murder/suicide.

"My poor baby. You were taken from me by an evil force.

"Oria, I am so sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.

"My pain will be turned into purpose, I promise you that. I love you sweetheart."

In a separate post, which was also shared publicly, she said: "For now, I ask for your continued support and prayers.

"It hasn't fully sunk in yet and I'm scared for when it does but I have God's guidance, my partner, my family and my friends to get me through this.

"My poor baby girl. My little Oria Rose. You didn't deserve this sweetheart. You had your whole life ahead of you.

"I'm so terribly sorry your precious life ended in this way. In such a calculated and callous act.

"I love you so much Oria.. As do many other people. My baby girl, forever and always."

She later added: "I'm not going to speak on anything until after the investigation is concluded and Ashley's funeral has taken place.

"I don't feel I'm able to properly grieve until the inquest into her death has been finalised and that could be weeks."

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said the force is not looking for anyone else in connection with the crash.

"We have launched a murder investigation after a fatal collision between a lorry and a car in Anwick," the spokesperson continued.

"Driver Ashley Henry, 35, and passenger Oria Henry, 2, from Leicester were travelling along Main Road in a Blue Nissan Qashqai when the incident took place at around 2.45pm on Sunday, 18 June.

"Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Our investigation into the incident continues but after careful consideration we can confirm we have begun a murder investigation into the death of two-year-old Oria."

The lorry driver is not thought to have been injured in the crash, which happened around five miles outside Sleaford, Lincolnshire, a market town largely surrounded by countryside.

The police statement continued: "Our thoughts remain with the family of those who lost their lives in this collision and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time.

"If you have information that may help us in our enquiries, contact the force control room on 101 quoting incident number 264 of 18 June."