Mother pays tribute to girl, 7, killed in Walsall hit-and-run
The girl has been named locally and on social media as Katnis Selezneva.
Last updated 28th Jul 2023
The mother of a 7-year-old girl killed in a hit-and-run in Walsall has paid tribute to her "strong, healthy, smiling" daughter.
In a post on Facebook, Tsvetelina Selezneva described the death of Katnis as "a great tragedy".
Police were called to the scene at Turnstone Road in Blakenall, shortly after 7pm on Thursday.
The girl was found with critical injuries following a hit-and-run crash with a motorcycle. She was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital but later died.
Paying tribute to her daughter, Tsvetelina's post continued: "God took her away too young and fragile. I don't have strength and I don't want to say goodbye to you, my star. How to let you go, my heart is bleeding, my soul is aching.
"Who will take care of you now up there my angel! I'm powerless, words are not enough, no consolation! Every day she told me "I love you mom, you are the best mother and the most beautiful because you take care of me and do everything to make me happy.
"Rest in peace sweet treasure! May your path be bright so you are not afraid in the dark without mom and dad! Peace to your soul! Mama one day will come to you. Amen!"
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in custody.
Police are searching for the blue and black road bike, and are trying to determine the exact make and model.
Flowers, balloons and stuffed toys were left at the scene of the crash on Friday.
Dozens of bunches of brightly-coloured bouquets paid tribute to the girl, with one reading: "I will remember your beautiful soul forever. Thinking and praying for your family."
Another says: "Rest in peace beautiful girl."
A steady stream of emotional people have been visiting the scene to add their own tributes and comfort each other.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, of the force's serious collision investigation unit, said: "This is an absolutely tragic event which has resulted in the death of an innocent child.
"We have still to recover the motorbike involved and I know someone out there in the local community knows where the bike is.
"I now need that community to come together and work with me.
"This is not about protecting people, this is about doing the right thing.
"As such I would urge anyone with any information, however large or small, to make contact with us.
"This is a heartbreaking situation that no family should ever go through and my thoughts are with the family of this young girl."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a Merit trauma doctor and critical care paramedic along with the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill were sent to the scene.
"On arrival, crews discovered a pedestrian and a motorbike had been involved in a collision and the pedestrian, a female child, was in a critical condition.
"She was receiving basic life support and ambulance crews immediately took over to provide advanced life support and trauma care before she was conveyed on blue lights to Birmingham Children's Hospital for further treatment."