Pictured: Schoolgirl, 15, who died after being hit by a bus in Birmingham

• Sophie Jain Fletcher was hit by a bus in Sheldon just before 3pm on Saturday
• West Midlands Police says the driver of the vehicle is helping with its enquiries

The heartbroken parents of a 15-year-old girl who was killed when she was hit by a bus in Birmingham have paid tribute to their ‘precious daughter’.

Sophie Jain Fletcher was struck on Sheaf Lane in Sheldon, just before 3pm on Saturday, March 18.

Emergency services raced to the scene and Sophie was rushed to hospital, where she was confirmed dead a short time later.

West Midlands Police said the driver of the National Express bus involved in the incident was helping with its inquiries.

In a tribute, Sophie’s family said: ‘It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that on Saturday 18th March 2023, our precious daughter Sophie Jain Fletcher was taken from us.

Sophie Jain Fletcher, pictured here with her mother Emma, tragically died after being hit by a bus on Saturday

The 15-year-old, pictured, was involved in a collision with a National Express bus in Sheldon, Birmingham

‘She was a beautiful young girl with an amazing personality and presence to match.

‘She will be so greatly missed by all her family, friends whether in or outside of school.

‘Mommy will always hold your hand and you will always be daddy’s little princess.

‘Fly high our beautiful Sophie Soph. We will love you, forever & always Mommy & Daddy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.’

Sophie was a student at Euphoria Dance and teacher Catriona O’Brien paid tribute to the youngster.

She wrote: ‘Sophie was such a joy to teach, always so happy and eager to please, always tried her best and was just the most loving little person.

‘RIP beautiful girl, we will never forget you.’

A JustGiving page set up to help the family with funeral costs has already raised nearly £6,500.

In a statement released on Sunday, West Midlands Police appealed for anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to get in touch. 

The 15-year-old was hit by a vehicle in Sheaf Lane (pictured) shortly before 3pm on Saturday, March 18

Floral tributes to Sophie have been left at the scene of the crash, with her family calling her a ‘beautiful young girl’

West Midlands Police says the driver of the National Express bus involved is helping with its enquiries

PC Gail Arnold, of WMP’s serious collision investigation unit, said: ‘A young girl has tragically died and we’ll be doing all we can to support her family during this deeply distressing time.

‘We’re working to establish the circumstances behind the collision and we’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, and especially anyone with dashcam footage.’

National Express West Midland’s confirmed one of its vehicles and drivers was involved in the crash.

A spokesperson said on Sunday: ‘A National Express West Midlands bus was involved in an incident on Sheaf Lane in Sheldon on Saturday, March 18.

‘Our thoughts remain with those involved and with their loved ones.

‘Emergency services attended the scene and we will continue to give the police every assistance as they continue their investigation into what happened.’

Anyone with information which may help police is asked to email [email protected] or to use the Live Chat on the force’s website and quote log 2467 of 18 March. 

Source: Read Full Article