The 10-year-old girl killed after being struck by an electric car on a sports pitch was a “force of nature” who wanted to play for Manchester United, her devastated family have said. Poppy Atkinson, from Kendal, died on Wednesday after being hit by the electric BMW i4 automatic at the town’s rugby club shortly before 5pm.

       A 40-year-old man, from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody and police said it is not thought to have been a “deliberate act”. Cumbria Police raced to the scene after the black BMW smashed through the perimeter fence of Kendal Rugby Union Football Club and hit two children playing on a pitch.

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       The second child, an eight-year-old girl from Kendal, was taken to hospital for treatment. Her injuries are not life-threatening.

       The force said that at this time, there is no indication to suggest that the devastating incident was a deliberate act.

       Shocking images from the scene show metal fencing around the pitch at Kendal rugby club was left buckled and broken while some locals have started to leave flowers in tribute to the two girls.

       Horrified eye-witnesses described a scene of "sheer panic" as the car appeared on the pitch.

       Eyewitness Scott Denney said it "all happened very fast", adding: "Just as we got on to the pitch, a car came through the barriers at the top and then landed on the pitch."

       Mr Denney, whose son attends the GT7 Football Academy which holds training sessions at the rugby club, said he had "no idea" how the car got on to the field.

       "It was just sheer panic. It was just not very nice at all. The children were obviously scared but the coaches dealt with it really, really well."

       He said staff got the children off the field and out of view of the crash site, and added: "Last night there was a lot of families here that pulled together to give support to the mum and dad and friends of the little girl."

       A crime scene remains at the rugby club where, opposite the clubhouse car park, two buckled fence panels are bent over on to the pitch.

       Tim Farron, the MP for the area, said news of the crash was "utterly devastating".

       "There was this shared sense of utter shock and horror, the whole town is utterly, utterly devastated by this," he said.

       The Reverend Canon Shanthi Thompson, from Kendal Parish Church, said a moment of silence was held after its Ash Wednesday service "because it's so hard to find the words to say at a time like this".

       She added: "Kendal is a very close community and many, many people will have links to the rugby club and people will know the children involved."

       Officers were not stationed at the scene in Shap Road on Thursday but forensic tape covered two panels of metal fencing on the pitch parameter, which appeared to have been flattened from the collision.

       Tyre marks were also visible on the pitch.

       Players and coaches from Kendal United Football Club are said to have witnessed the “horrific event”.

       A statement from the club shared on social media said: “This afternoon a tragic event occurred at Kendal Rugby Club.

       “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families at this terribly sad time.

       “We know that some Kendal United players and coaches witnessed this horrific event and as a club we would ask anyone affected to contact the committee who will offer support and help, where needed, at this incredibly sad time.”

       Well-wishers left flowers at the scene.

       A note attached to one bouquet read: “Sending our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Love Wattsfield Wanderers U9s.”

       A coach at Kendal United, who did not wish to be named, was among those to lay tributes.

       He said a number of local football clubs and academies play and train at the site.

       He said: “It’s just a tragedy, it’s absolutely shocking, this shouldn’t happen, kids have just come to play a game of football.

       “I know a lot of the kids that come here, I know a lot of the coaches. I spoke to one or two last night, they are devastated, absolutely devastated.

       “You bring your kids down here to have a game of football and training, that’s what you do. You don’t expect anything like this to happen. It’s obviously a tragic, tragic thing. Horrendous.

       “The amount of children who would have been here last night who witnessed it, the trauma they probably will go through, you can’t even bear to think what they are going through. Just awful.

       “My heart goes out to the coaches, the kids and the families.”

       Locals in the Cumbria town have rallied to support the community and those involved.

       A message from Kendal Rugby Club 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 co-operating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation – the club and all facilities are temporarily closed while this is carried out.”

       Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Jonathan Cornthwaite, has expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the families and all those affected by the incident at Kendal Rugby Club on Wednesday evening.

       Cllr Cornthwaite said: "It’s hard to put into words our sense of shock at such a tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by this terrible event.’

       "Churches across Kendal are open today (Thursday) for anyone needing a moment of quiet reflection."

       The strong rugby community in Cumbria has been rallying round all those at Kendal RUFC.

       Neil Marston, Chairman and RFU Council Member for Cumbria Rugby Union, said: "To the family, friends, and everyone at Kendal Rugby Club. We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss.

       "Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. No words can truly ease the pain of such a loss, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The entire rugby community stands with you in grief."

       Cockermouth RUFC expressed their "deepest condolences" and sent their "support and love" to the families of those involved at this "incredibly sad time."

       Whitehaven Sharks Youth Section said: "We are sending our deepest condolences, love and thoughts to all at Kendal RUFC, the family and friends of those affected and the wider community.

       "Thinking of you all at this devastating time and the whole rugby family send their love."

       Keswick Rugby said they were thinking about the families and friends of those involved in Wednesday’s "tragic" incident.

       Carnforth Rangers Football Club have paid tribute: "Sending all our thoughts and prayers to all the families affected by last night's heartbreaking tragedy at Kendal Rugby Club.

       "We are devastated for all of our friends at GT7 and offer all our support to the grassroots football family at this time."