Girl, five, dies in horror crash with a lorry while riding her bike outside the school gates

By Mark Branagan[1] and Freya Barnes[2]

Published: 01:02, 13 April 2024 | Updated: 01:07, 13 April 2024

A five-year-old girl has died in a horror crash with a lorry after she was riding her bike outside a school's gates.

The child, called Jessica, was cycling next to the entrance of Oakfield School in Hull[3], East Yorkshire, when tragedy struck at 3.40pm on Thursday.

She had just started at Mountbatten Primary School, which was less than a third of a mile away.

Stunned parents were seen pinning flowers to the Oakham School railings just yards from where Jessica died.

There were also teddy bears, cards and flowers stood in a child-size wellington boot stand.

The child, called Jessica, was cycling outside Oakfield School in Hull , East Yorkshire, when tragedy struck

Today stunned parents were pinning flowers to the Oakham School railings just yards from where Jessica died

There were also teddy bears, cards, and flowers stood in child-size wellington boot stand

Another woman bringing flowers was still visibly shocked after the tragedy unfolded right in front of her.

She said: 'I don't know how it happened. I feel so sorry for her sisters.'

Many parents were angry that the school crossing patrol was axed a number of years ago.

They say there is a lot of fast-moving traffic on the road and no lollipop man or lady.

Malcolm Foster, who lives directly across the street, said: 'I live across the road. I was there in seconds.

'I could not see anything because the police and fire engines and ambulance were around here.

'I have seen 100 kids from eight in the morning to quarter to nine to get to Mountbatten School.

'There was a warden there until last March but he was never replaced.'

One of the tributes included a card from Jessica's school which said: 'Oh, Jessica.

We're all really going to miss you. What a happy little character you was with your quirky little ways.

'Such a tiny little girl with a big heart. We'll never forget you.

Night, night beautiful.

Loved by so many.

One of the tributes included a card from staff, pupil's and friends at Jessica's school

Flowers and a teddy bear pinned to the gates of Jessica's school in Hull, East Yorkshire

'From all the staff, pupils and your friends at Mountbatten Primary School.'

The tragedy is now being investigated.

In a statement, Humberside Police said: 'Her family are currently being supported by officers at this extremely sad and difficult time.

'We'd like to thank members of the public who came to the aid of those involved whilst emergency services arrived and for the support the wider local community has shown so far.

'We would appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time of the collision, or anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist with our enquires to please contact us on our non-emergency number 101, quoting log 345 of 11 April.'

References

1. ^ Mark Branagan (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ Freya Barnes (www.dailymail.co.uk)
3. ^ Hull (www.dailymail.co.uk)