Family devastated after toddler death

The toddler lost her brave fight for life on Friday morning, the day after the incident on a residential street in Whitby.

She had been taken to James Cook Hospital by ambulance in a critical condition following the collision with a black 
4x4 vehicle at around 6.15pm in the Lockton Road and Fyling Road area on the old RAF estate.

There has been a huge outpouring of grief throughout the town in support of the toddler and her devastated family who are being supported by specially trained police staff.

Tributes and messages of condolence were left on the Whitby Gazette facebook page.

Mark Jackson wrote: “Absolutely awful, can’t imagine what the family is going through.”

Chris Green added: “So desperately sad and tragic , my thoughts are with her family.”

Rebecca Mallinson said: “Sleep tight little one. Thinking of the family.”

Police have also stepped into confirm that they are not treating the incident as a hit and run after speculation mounted over social media that there was a search for the driver.

Family member Wendy McClure, responding to speculation said: “Please everyone stop this speculation.

“The driver stopped at the scene and helped, this wasn’t a hit and run.

“My family have been left devastated by these events and we need to grieve.”

A police spokeswoman added: “We are not investigating the incident as a fail to stop.

“The investigation is currently ongoing to determine the events leading up to the incident.”

Witnesses are being sought who before the accident may have seen the girl or the black 4x4 vehicle.

The girl was wearing pink and purple trousers and a white coat with pink and purple flowers and an insect print.

Anyone with any information which could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask to speak to Iain Atkinson.

Quote reference 12160106067.

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