Northern Ireland

Co Armagh school tribute to road crash victim (9) as 'kind, gentle, out-going little girl with the most beautiful smile'

 Hardy Memorial Primary School, Richhill has paid tribute to its Primary 6 pupil, named only as Patrycja
 Hardy Memorial Primary School, Richhill has paid tribute to its Primary 6 pupil, named only as Patrycja  Hardy Memorial Primary School, Richhill has paid tribute to its Primary 6 pupil, named only as Patrycja

A CO Armagh primary school has paid tribute to "a kind, gentle, out-going little girl with the most beautiful smile" who lost her life in a road crash.

Hardy Memorial Primary School, Richhill said its Primary 6 pupil, named only as Patrycja, "endeared us all with her willingness to help and support others".

The nine-year-old girl was a rear seat Passenger in a Peugeot 407, which was involved in a collision on Hamiltonsbawn Road, near Armagh, on Monday.

The driver of the car, a man aged in his 60s, was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries, which are not thought to be life-threatening.

At the request of her family, who are understood to be originally from Poland, police are not releasing the child's surname.

A special school assembly was held in Patrycja's memory yesterday.

In a statement, the school paid tribute to the young girl.

"The entire Hardy Memorial Primary School community is deeply shocked, saddened and numbed to learn of the passing of our Primary 6 pupil Patrycja," it said.

"Patrycja was a kind, gentle, out-going little girl with the most beautiful smile.

"She loved singing and enjoyed her many outings with our school choir.

"She endeared us all with her willingness to help and support others.

"Patrycja was extremely popular with both staff and pupils and we are profoundly saddened by her death.

"Our hearts go out to Patrycja’s parents and wider family circle; they are foremost in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time."

Meanwhile, the funeral is due to take place tomorrow of a father-of-two killed in a crash in Coleraine.

Johnny Scott (33) from the Coleraine area was struck by a car on the Quilly Road on Sunday as he went to meet his wife Lisa after an afternoon out watching football.

In a message posted on Facebook, Mrs Scott said she had "lost my darling Johnny".

"The best daddy and husband I could ever ask for," she wrote.

"I am devastated and don't know how I am going to go on without him.

"He was my life. I will love you forever Johnny."

A funeral service for Mr Scott is due to be held in Christ Church, Castlerock tomorrow at 2pm followed by interment in St Paul’s Parish Churchyard, Articlave.