Former Rugby Football Union President says Kendal collision is an 'absolute tragedy'
A 10 year old girl has died and another is in a serious condition after being hit by a car on a sports pitch
Former Rugby Football Union President John Owen has described the death of a 10 year old girl at a sports club as an 'absolute tragedy'.
The school girl died following a collision at Kendal Rugby club on Shap Road.
Police say officers were contacted at around 5pm on Wednesday (5 March) with report of a collision involving a BMW and two children.
The second child, an eight-year-old girl from Kendal, was taken to hospital for treatment. Her injuries are not life-threatening.
Speaking outside the club on Thursday (6 March), John Owen, who used to play rugby for Kendal and Penrith in the 1960s and 1970s, said the incident will be felt for a very long time.
"Kendal rugby club is at the centre of the community - a real focal point of the community and what’s happened here will be felt for a very long time. It’s an absolute tragedy.
"It's terrible. It’s quite unbelievable and let alone it'll have a tremendous impact on people. When young children lose their lives, it's heartbreaking really."
Police can confirm, at this time, there is no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act.
A 40-year-old man, from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.
Investigative enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and to inform a future coronial process.
A multi-agency response will continue today to support people affected by this incident.