Relative in court over girl's death on Motherwell road

Dalziel High pupil Abbie Mclaren died after being hit by a car in Motherwell

A relative of schoolgirl Abbie Mclaren has been charged with causing her death by dangerous driving.

Twelve-year-old Abbie died after being hit by a car on The Loaning in Motherwell, Lanarkshire, on Tuesday.

Martin McGuire appeared in private at Hamilton Sheriff Court on five driving charges. He made no plea.

The 38-year-old, from Hamilton, is a cousin of Abbie's father John Mclaren, who was a passenger in the Citroen at the time.

Mr McGuire is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while having no insurance, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and taking a car without consent.

He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court again next week.

'Lit up every room'

Members of Abbie's family, including her mother and grandmother, visited the scene of her death on Thursday.

Cards, flowers and teddies have been left in tribute to the Dalziel High School pupil.

A message from one friend said: "I hope you have fun up there dancing and being happy. You were the best friend I could have asked for.

"You lit up every room you were in. We will all miss you. I will miss you. Fly high angel. Taken too soon."

A GoFundMe page to raise money for Abbie's family has raised more than £4,000.

Abbie's grandmother, Caroline Kennedy, wrote on social media: "Let the angels look after her now. She will sadly be missed and a part of my heart has died with her too. I love you so much Abbie. Words can't explain how I will not cope without you now."

Robert Birch, rector of Dalziel High School said: "She was a very popular, happy and talented girl who will be deeply missed by everyone at the school and her family is very much in all our thoughts."

Torchlight walk

Abbie's former primary school, Glencairn in Motherwell, released balloons in her memory.

Local MP Marion Fellows said she was raising concerns over traffic problems in the area with North Lanarkshire Council and local residents plan to walk the length of the road where Abbie was killed by torchlight at 18:30 on Sunday.

A council spokesman said: "Following a tragedy such as this, it is understandable that people will raise concerns about road safety.

"The council's immediate focus is on supporting pupils, staff and the wider community who are deeply affected by this appalling tragedy and the condolences from everyone at the council are with Abbie's family and friends.

"We will work with Police Scotland throughout their investigation into the circumstances and will take appropriate action based on their findings.

"Against that backdrop and in light of ongoing criminal proceedings, it is entirely inappropriate to speculate on the causes and circumstances of Abbie's death."

Police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the crash, which happened at about 16:15 on Tuesday, to contact them.