Tributes to ‘lovely’ Scots schoolgirl, 11, who died after being hit by bin lorry

HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to a "lovely" schoolgirl who died after being hit by a bin lorry.

Elizabeth Bell, 11, was struck by the waste truck on her way to school.

The tragic youngster was left fighting for life after the horror collision in East Gordon, Berwickshire, around 8am on January 31.

She was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh but tragically died a week later on February 31.

The incident happened on the A6105 near a junction with an unclassified local road where children gather to wait for the bus to school.

Elizabeth's devastated classmates and teachers at Earlston Primary School have now paid tribute to her, describing her as a "caring soul".

They said: "Following the tragic loss of our lovely Elizabeth, our school communities are keen to support her family in giving her the best possible send-off.

"Elizabeth was a bright, friendly, kind and caring soul who was a valued member of Gordon and Earlston Primary Schools and will be dearly missed."

Local parents and politicians are now calling for a reduction in the speed limit in the area following the tragedy.

Concerns have also been raised that children are being forced to wait at the side of the road with no pavement

MSP Rachael Hamilton said: "My thoughts are with everyone involved in the upsetting incident in (East) Gordon, especially the young girl and those close to her.

"After speaking with local residents, I have written to Lothian and Borders Police and spoke with Scottish Borders Council officials urging them to look at reducing the speed limit in the village."

The local community has now come together to support Elizabeth's heartbroken family by launching a for her funeral.

The fundraiser was shared on Facebook by headteacher Kevin Wilson.

He posted: "Following the tragic news regarding Elizabeth, we have received lots of messages of support and condolences for the parents.

"The suggestion made this week was for there to be a GoFundMe page created to support Elizabeth’s parents during this challenging time.

"On behalf of both our school communities, we have included a link below should anyone wish to offer some financial assistance.

"Please feel free to share this far and wide."

Well-wishers flocked to the fundraiser to pay their respects to Elizabeth after it raised over £2,000 in a matter of hours.

One person said: "Can’t even imagine what this family are going through, thankful this GoFundMe allows people to support this heartbroken family".

Another added: "Thoughts with the family at this sad time".

Someone else wrote: "Very much in our thoughts and prayers".

Police have confirmed that enquiries are still ongoing to establish the cause of the smash.

Sergeant Dom Doyle said: “Our thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family and they have asked for privacy at this very difficult time.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we are asking anyone who has not already spoken to officers and can assist with our investigation to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0574 of Wednesday, 31 January, 2024.