A father was a passenger in a stolen car which hit and killed his 12-year-old daughter and was allegedly driven by his cousin who has appeared in court.
Abbie McLaren was knocked down on The Loaning in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, at around 4.15pm on Tuesday shortly after getting off a bus.
Martin McGuire, 38, appeared in Hamilton Sheriff Court today charged with causing the death of Abbie by dangerous driving.
Abbie, from Motherwell, (left) was knocked down at around 4.30pm on Tuesday.
Devastated friends and family today laid flowers at the spot Abbie McLaren was mown down by a car in which her own father was a passenger
Her father John, got out of the car straight after the crash and ran over to the victim to try and help, before realising in horror who it was. ‘He just stood there completely frozen, he couldn’t move or say a thing,’ according to a witness.
Witnesses and paramedics battled to save her at the scene but she died at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
McGuire faces a total of five charges including causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while having no insurance, and driving with no licence.
He faces a further charge of driving with no insurance and taking a car without consent.
Abbie, from Motherwell, (left) was knocked down at around 4.30pm on Tuesday. Her father John (right), got out of the car straight after the crash and ran over to the victim to try and help, before realising in horror who it was.
McGuire made no plea and was remanded by Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen.
He is expected to make a further court appearance next week.
Dalziel High School pupil Abbie was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow but could not be saved.
CCTV footage is believed to have captured the horror accident that happened around 4.15pm on Tuesday.
One witness, speaking to the Daily Record, said Mr McLaren was in the car with a male driver, who tried to get medical help.
‘The driver ran back up to where it all happened and just kept shouting, ‘Does anyone know CPR?” he said.
Abbie’s devastated family had rushed to hospital to support her devastated mum, Ashley Kennedy, 29.
She leaves behind four siblings, cousins, and her parents.
Devastated family and friends today laid dozens of items including flowers, balloons and teddy bears at the scene of the crash this afternoon.
Miss Kennedy wept as she read the messages at the shrine which has seen dozens of items left.
In a note, Abbie’s Auntie Linda wrote: ‘My precious niece Abbie, you are one of a kind, such a special caring girl.
‘You will be missed always, sleep tight, my special angel.’
Another note said: “To our wee cousin Abbie. Miss you loads. Until we meet again. Ninaleigh, Nicole, Chelsea.”
A heartfelt note from Abbie’s ‘best friend’ Eoin said: “I hope you have fun up there dancing and being happy.”
“You were the best friend I could have asked for.
“You lit up every room you were in. We will all miss you. I will miss you.
“Fly high angel. Taken too soon.”
Another note on a serenity bouquet said: ‘Hello my little angel it’s your big cousin Amber.
‘You know being the oldest cousin it was my place to look after you all and I cannot tell you how sorry I am to not have been there to protect you.’
The emotional tributes today (pictured) come as the local community started a petition to improve road safety around where the crash happened
A GoFundMe page to raise money for Abbie’s family has raised more than £3000 as heartbroken friends and relatives took to social media to pay tribute.
Other offers of help include a charity carwash being held by a company in nearby Bellshill and an offer of help by a businessman who witnessed the accident aftermath.
Brian Irving wrote: “My deepest sympathy’s to all your family at this sad time.
“I own the butchers in the Loaning and I was working when Abbie was being attended by the paramedics.
“If there’s anything I can do to help please let me know. I will gladly supply a buffet free of charge after any service you may be having or I can make sandwiches or cakes should you need them for any family visiting.. Just let me know. Sending you all my love.”
Moving messages in memory of Abbie left by a friend (left) and one of her cousins (right)
This message read: ‘Good night and God bless to our beautiful cousin. Will miss you loads’
Robert Birch, Rector of Dalziel High School which Abbie attended said: “She was a very popular, happy and talented girl who will be deeply missed by everyone at the school and her family is very much in all our thoughts.”
Abbie’s former primary school, Glencairn in Motherwell, released balloons in her memory.
Local MP Marion Fellows said she was raising concerns over traffic problems in the area with North Lanarkshire Council.
A council spokesman said “Following a tragedy such as this, it is understandable that people will raise concerns about road safety.
“The council’s immediate focus is on supporting pupils, staff and the wider community who are deeply affected by this appalling tragedy and the condolences from everyone at the council are with Abbie’s family and friends.
“We will work with Police Scotland throughout their investigation into the circumstances and will take appropriate action based on their findings.
“Against that backdrop and in light of ongoing criminal proceedings, it is entirely inappropriate to speculate on the causes and circumstances of Abbie’s death.”
Police are appealing to any witnesses to the crash, who have not already spoken to the police, to come forward.”
If you have information contact the Road Policing Department in Motherwell on 101 , quoting reference number 2471 of February, 12 2019.
Police closed the road near Abbie’s home in Motherwell where she was hit on Tuesday
Tributes to Abbie were left at the crash site yesterday, including a shirt signed by her friends (left) and bouquets of flowers