Schoolgirl, 12, dies after being hit by car while stepping off school bus as police urge witnesses not to post footage on social media
A girl has died after being struck by a car just seconds after she stepped off a school bus in Northern Ireland.
Caitlin-Rose McMullan, who attended St Pius X College in Magherafelt, was hit by the car after exiting the bus on the Hillhead Road shortly after 4pm.
The collision happened outside the village of Castledawson in Co Londonderry on Wednesday afternoon, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said.
Her school described McMullan as “outgoing, bubbly and caring.”
A post made by the school on Facebook read: “Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her former teachers described her as a ‘joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature’.”
“She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike.
“Caitlin-Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.”
Stormont’s Education Minister Paul Givan described her death as “devastating.”
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A PSNI spokesperson said: “There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene.
“I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the major incident public portal.
“This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.”
The Hillhead Road was closed following the collision but it had reopened this morning.
Local councillor Ian Milne said the Castledawson community had been left shocked.
“The schoolgirl was hit by a vehicle near her home and sadly died as a result of her injuries,” said the Sinn Fein representative.
“My heart goes out to the parents, family and friends of the young schoolgirl.
“The local Castledawson community are completely devastated at the loss of life of the young girl and I know the community will rally to support the bereaved family in whatever way they can.”