Schoolgirl, 11, dies after being hit by car after getting off bus

The incident happened on Wednesday shortly after 16:00 GMT

An 11-year-old girl has died following a collision in County Londonderry.

Caitlin-Rose McMullan was hit by a car after exiting a school bus on the Hillhead Road, Castledawson, shortly after 16:00 GMT on Wednesday, police said.

The road was closed following the collision, but has since reopened.

Insp Adair, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: "There were a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene."

Police have appealed for those with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to them through the Major Incident Public Portal.

Police previously reported that the girl was aged 12.

'Outgoing, bubbly and caring child'

Pius X College, which Cailtin-Rose McMullan attended, have described her as "a very popular pupil who was always smiling".

In a post shared on social media, the school added that she was "an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike".

"Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.

"Caitlin Rose's friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services."

Education Minister Paul Givan said he was "deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news".

Givan said that his thoughts and prayers were with the "family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community".

He added that he had spoken to the principal of St Pius X College "and assured him of my support".

'State of shock'

SDLP councillor Denise Johnston said the community was in "absolute shock".

"We are so very saddened by the news that another young girl from Castledawson has died," she said.

There is "no pain greater," than losing a child, she added.

"This is every parent's worst nightmare."

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I know the good people of Castledawson will rally around them in the days and weeks ahead."

Sinn Féin councillor Ian Milne said the community was left in a "state of shock" on hearing how serious the road traffic incident was.

"The schoolgirl was hit by a vehicle near her home and sadly died as a result of her injuries," he added.

"My heart goes out to the parents, family and friends of the young schoolgirl."

Sinn Féin assembly member Linda Dillon said the "entire community would be heartbroken".

"As a mummy myself, your worst fear is to ever hear the news that your child is not coming home," she told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra.

"So I can't even begin to imagine, but for the wider community as well of Castledawson, it is devastating."

'Unimaginable loss'

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland's Education Authority (EA) said their condolences are "with the family, friends, fellow pupils and staff at the school, and all those affected by this tragic incident".

"The EA's Critical Incident Response Team are supporting the school during this difficult time and will provide emotional support to both students and staff," the EA said.

"We would kindly ask that the family, school and wider community are afforded the time and space to grieve this unimaginable loss."