Balloon release in Katniss Seleznev's memory after hit-and-run

Katniss, seven, died after she was struck by a motorbike in Walsall

Balloons have been released in memory of a seven-year-old girl killed in a hit-and-run crash.

Katniss Seleznev died last Thursday when she was hit by a motorbike on Turnstone Road, Walsall.

Residents, who organised the balloon launch, are also fundraising for funeral costs.

They said they wanted to show Katniss's family they were there for them as a community.

"We have just spoken to the parents and they are crying on the doorstep and they thanked us," one resident said.

"We can be here as one community and stand together."

The fund set up to help support the family with funeral costs has raised more than £3,000.

A boy, 14, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released on bail.

Residents released balloons in Katniss's memory

On Friday, Katniss's mother, Tsvetelina Selezneva, described her as "my star".

She said: "My heart is bleeding, my soul is aching."

West Midlands Police described the bike they were looking for as a road bike, also known as a street motorbike.

The force said it had recovered two motorcycles found abandoned in Walsall which were being forensically examined.

Residents had previously complained about youths on motorbikes being a problem in the area.

Independent Walsall councillor Pete Smith said he had written to a number of senior police and local authority figures to call for tougher action.

"Something has got to be done because there is a serious problem with anti-social behaviour, particularly juvenile anti-social behaviour," he added.

"Off-road bikes, electric scooters, cars speeding round these rather narrow streets and streets that are often full with kids."

Residents have left tributes near to the scene of the hit-and-run