Tributes flood in following schoolgirl's tragic death

Pictures courtesy of Rochdale Online

Hundreds of bunches of flowers, teddy bears, and heart-breaking messages have been left at the scene of a collision in Rochdale which resulted in the death of an 11-year-old schoolgirl on Monday afternoon.

The student, named locally as Marianne Haboc, was walking along Taylor Street at 3.30pm on Monday (October 1) when she collided with a red Range Rover.

Despite the efforts of emergency teams, she died at the scene.

Now Marianne’s school, gymnastic club and others have paid moving tributes to her.

One on Taylor Street read: “You were kind, helpful and you didn’t deserve to die. Heaven has gained a new angel. We all loved you – even teachers.”

Marianne was a year six pupil at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School, in a statement on their website the school have said: “Sadly our school community is grieving today for the loss of our Yr 6 pupil Marianne who died following a tragic accident last night.”

Marianne was also a talented gymnast, who trained at Rochdale Olympic Gymnastics Club.

They posted on their Facebook page: “RIP little superstar. No words can describe how we all feel tonight! Fly high.”

The club have also announced they’ve set up a JustGiving page for Marianne in a bid to raise £2,500 in a bid to purchase something that will stay with the club forever in memory of the 11-year old.

A 33-year old woman, arrested at the scene on Monday on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released under investigation as enquiries continue into the incident.

Speaking on Monday, Police Sergeant Lee Westhead of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was an incredibly tragic incident that has left a family heartbroken and we have specially trained officers supporting them at this unimaginably difficult time.”

“While we have a woman in custody, our investigation is clearly in its very early stages and I would urge anyone who witnessed this collision or has any information or dash-cam footage to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number 1204 of 01/10/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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