One child dead and another seriously injured after ‘car drove onto rugby pitch’ in Cumbria – as man arrested

A child has tragically died in a serious collision at a rugby club that injured another youngster after a car reportedly drove onto a sports pitch.

Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 5pm today after a crash involving a black BMW i40 and two children.

The ‘devastating’ incident took place at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria.

The second child involved is being treated by paramedics and the families of both youngsters have been informed by police.

The driver of the car, a man in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A photo from the scene shows a black car resting on the sports pitch next to a net, with balls scattered on the green.

Specialist investigators are at the scene and the area has been cordoned off as initial investigation enquiries take place.

Cops are treating this collision as an isolated incident and there is no suggestion at this time that this is terror-related.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police.

Kendal Rugby Club’s chairman Dr Stephen Green said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that an incident occurred today at Kendal Rugby Club, resulting in a tragic loss of a child’s life.

‘Our thoughts are with their family and friends and we kindly ask for privacy for all involved at this difficult time.

‘We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation – the Club and all facilities are temporarily closed while this is carried out.’

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: ‘This is devastating, utterly heartbreaking news. 

‘I’m praying for the children and for their families and friends. Our community in Kendal is stunned and in mourning.’

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: ‘Emergency services are in attendance at a serious collision in Kendal.

‘Police were contacted at 4:58pm today (5 March) with a report of a collision involving a car and two children on a pitch at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Shap Road.

‘Police can confirm that one of the children involved has sadly died. The second child involved in this collision is being treated by paramedics.

‘Immediate family members of both respective children have been informed.

‘Specialist investigators are at the scene and the area has been cordoned off as initial investigation enquiries take place.

‘The driver of the car, a man aged in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The car involved was a black BMW i40.’

A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the child who sadly passed away following an incident in Kendal this afternoon.

‘We attended the scene at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, responding with two ambulances and several senior clinicians.’