Girl, four, is killed after being struck by minibus in town centre

A four-year-old girl has died in hospital after being hit by a minibus close to Reading town centre.

Police raced to the scene on Tuesday morning after the girl was struck by a red Ford Transit minibus on the junction of Goldsmid Road and Russell Street.

The youngster sustained serious injuries and later died in hospital, police confirmed today. The driver had remained on the scene following the collision. 

Thames Valley Police said no arrests had been made and the girl's next of kin are being supported by specially trained officers.

The force has now launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses following the collision. 

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Justin Thomas, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: 'A young child was very sadly killed as a result of this collision. 

'My thoughts are with the family and everyone affected.

'An investigation is underway and I am appealing to anybody who was in the local area at the time of the collision to check any dash-cam footage in case it has captured something that may help the investigation.

'You can upload digital evidence via our dedicated portal for this investigation or if you witnessed it, please contact us on 101 or make a report online via our website, quoting reference 43240471081.'