Motherwell holds torchlight walk in memory of schoolgirl

At least 1,000 people have taken part in a torchlight procession along The Loaning in Motherwell in memory of 12 year-old Abbie McLaren who was killed last week.

Flower tributes were placed at the scene where she was hit by a car along with teddies, cards and balloons.

Many other who could not take part shared pictures of candles in their windows on social media.

More than 12,000 people have signed a petition calling for traffic calming and a 38 year old has appeared in court charged with driving offences.

A 38 year-old man was arrested in connection with her death.

Chrissy McClusky, who started the petition, said: "This is not the first incident on this road and if measures aren’t put in place it won’t be the last. I urge everyone to sign the petition to try and get North Lanarkshire Council to consider putting traffic control measures in place to stop this from happening again.

"I can’t imagine the pain and suffering the family are going through at this tough time and I don't think anyone would want it to happen to anyone again.

"Even the simplest pedestrian crossing, priority system or even a speed camera to just let children cross safely or at least slow traffic down would make it a lot more safer for our children, grandchildren and even the elderly."

The area's MP Marion Fellows said: "My deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Abbie McLaren who has sadly lost her life. My thanks go to the emergency services who attended and did their utmost to treat her.

"The community is rightly heartbroken over what has happened. The response regarding the safety of the road has been overwhelming.

"I have since written to North Lanarkshire Council to raise the community’s petition with them and to join their calls in demanding action to improve safety on The Loaning and surrounding streets. I have particular concerns over speeding cars and there being no safe place for pedestrians to cross.

"I have previously written to North Lanarkshire Council to raise the community’s fears over speeding and traffic on The Loaning. Signs had previously been added to the road, however it is clear that much more is required.

"There is a wider issue regarding the deeply flawed way in which North Lanarkshire Council determines if an area is high risk. They use the Police Scotland accident database. However only incidents that are logged with the Police are included. North Lanarkshire Council must review how it determines an area as high risk and be prepared to listen to the people who use and live on these roads. Communities know best what they need."

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Following a tragedy such as this, it is understandable that people will raise concerns about road safety.

“The council’s immediate focus is on supporting pupils, staff and the wider community who are deeply affected by this appalling tragedy and the condolences from everyone at the council are with Abbie’s family and friends.

“We will work with Police Scotland throughout their investigation into the circumstances and will take appropriate action based on their findings.

“Against that backdrop and in light of ongoing criminal proceedings, it is entirely inappropriate to speculate on the causes and circumstances of Abbie’s death."