Lioness captain Leah Williamson has paid tribute to a football-loving little girl who was killed when an electric car ploughed onto a sports pitch.
Poppy Atkinson, 10, died on Wednesday night when a black BMW i4 smashed through a fence where she was training at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club.
An eight-year-old girl from Kendal was also rushed to hospital for treatment but her injuries are not life-threatening, Cumbria Police said.
The little girl, who idolised the Lionesses and dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and playing for Manchester United, was described as a 'force of nature' who was 'too good for this world' by her heartbroken family.
Leah Williamson, who plays for Women's Super League club Arsenal and captains the England women's national team, also paid tribute to Poppy last night.
Taking to Instagram page, she said: 'Such tragic tragic news! My thoughts are with the family, friends and teammates. I can't begin to imagine your loss. RIP Poppy'.
Following the tragedy, the driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Today, police said a 40-year-old man from Lancaster, had been released under investigation.
‘Investigative enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident,’ they said in a statement.
It is understood a Kendal United Football Club training session was taking place at the time of the tragedy.
Cumbria Police had said there was 'no indication to suggest the incident was a deliberate act'.
Poppy was described by her family as the 'focal point of our lives' in an emotional tribute as she was named for the first time today.
The young girl dreamed of becoming a footballer for Manchester United and idolised some of the club's biggest stars, across the men's and women's teams.
In an touching tribute, Poppy's family said: 'Poppy was the focal point of our lives, everything for us revolved around Poppy's love for football.
'Poppy touched so many lives, it was easy to see why, her energy, character, spirit and passion for football was infectious and touched huge numbers of people.
'Poppy was 100 per cent determined to be a professional footballer. Many who know her, and who know her determination to improve and win, had no doubt she would achieve her goal to one day to play for Manchester United.
'Poppy idolised Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Mainoo and Messi to name a few. Poppy was a small, petite and beautiful 10-year-old, yet she played up an age group and proudly represented the Kendal United and county U-12 teams.
'Poppy earned her place through her determination and her technical mastery on the pitch, her skill was envied by most that she played with and against.
'Poppy was sister to seven-year-old Edward. Edward worshipped the ground Poppy walked on, he only ever wanted to be like her. Poppy would coach and support Edward with his football, it was so beautiful to see.
'The hole in our lives and so many around us that Poppy leaves is enormous, we will never be whole again. This world has lost a spirit like no other, she was a force of nature. She was so special, she was too good for this world.'
A photo from the scene shows a black car resting on the all-weather sports pitch next to a net, with balls scattered on the green marked out with small cones for practice.
Tim Easter, 34, said: 'I drive past earlier and saw a first responder ambulance on the pitch and two bigger ambulances in the car park.
'There were loads of police vehicles and people milling around.'
Kendal Rugby Club's chairman Dr Stephen Green previously said: 'We are deeply saddened to confirm that an incident occurred today at Kendal Rugby Club, resulting in a tragic loss of a child's life.
'Our thoughts are with their family and friends and we kindly ask for privacy for all involved at this difficult time.
'We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation - the Club and all facilities are temporarily closed while this is carried out.'
