Tributes have been paid to an 11-year-old girl who died after she was hit by a car after she got off a school bus.
Caitlin-Rose McMullan, was struck by the car after leaving the bus in Castledawson, Co Londonderry, at 4pm on Wednesday afternoon.
The school Caitlin-Rose attended, St Pius X College in Magherafelt, described her as ‘outgoing, bubbly and caring’.
The school said in a Facebook post: ‘Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her former teachers described her as a “joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature”.
‘She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike.
‘Caitlin-Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.’
Stormont’s Education Minister Paul Givan described her death as “devastating”.
‘I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news that a 11-year-old pupil from St Pius X College, Magherafelt has sadly died following a collision outside Castledawson,’ he said.
‘As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident. I have spoken to the principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support.
‘The Education Authority’s critical incident team is in contact with the school and will provide support to the pupils and staff.
‘A PSNI investigation into the incident is ongoing.’
A PSNI spokesperson said: ‘There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene.
‘I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the major incident public portal.
‘This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.’
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