Tribute to student killed in crash while walking dog

Lucy Atkins was killed along with the family dog, Simba

The parents of a young woman who was killed while walking the family dog have paid tribute to their "fabulous daughter".

Lucy Atkins, 20, died after being hit by a car on West Boulevard in Quinton, Birmingham, on Monday.

Her dog, a Lakeland Terrier called Simba, was also killed in the crash.

In a statement released by police, Ms Atkins's parents and brother said she "brought joy" into the lives of those she met and described her as "a force of nature, who lived life to the full".

She had been a former pupil at Bluecoat School in Harborne and Edgbaston High School.

"Lucy had just finished her first year at Cardiff University and was looking forward to sharing a house with her friends for her second year," her parents and brother said.

They also thanked passers-by and the emergency services who attempted to save her life following the crash, as well as those who have left tributes at the scene.

She was hit by a car between Barnes Hill and Quinton Road West just before 08:45 BST.

Lucy, who was on foot, sustained serious injuries and died a short time later.

West Midlands Police said the driver remained at the scene and was helping with inquiries.

The force is keen to hear from anyone who can assist the investigation, particularly those who were travelling in the area and have dashcam footage.