Girl killed on pitch died of head injuries

Poppy died from head injuries after being hit by a car at football training, a coroner said

A 10-year-old girl died from head injuries after being struck by a car during a football training session, an inquest has heard.

The hearing into the death of Poppy Atkinson from Kendal opened earlier at Cockermouth Coroners' Court following the footballer's funeral on Monday.

Acting senior coroner, Kirsty Gomersal, said the circumstances were "well publicised" and that Poppy was struck by a car at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on 5 March.

The hearing, which lasted for less than five minutes, was adjourned while the police investigation is ongoing, Ms Gomersal said.

A 40-year-old man from Lancaster, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released under investigation.

The inquest heard that Poppy's death was confirmed by paramedics at 17:12 GMT.

Cumbria Police said that officers had responded to reports of two children being struck by a black BMW i40.

People lined the streets of Kendal as the funeral cortege passed by

No relatives were in court for the hearing, but they were represented by a solicitor.

A second girl, aged eight and also from Kendal, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.

At the time, officers said there was "no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act".

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Kendal on Monday as Poppy's funeral took place.

Mourners wore red clothing in memory of the Manchester United supporter, whose family had urged the community to create a "sea of love".

An online fundraiser set up in her memory has exceeded £50,000 and will pay for a memorial as well as support grassroots football.