UK
Girl, 12, killed after being struck by falling tree branch pictured
A 12-year-old who was killed by a falling tree branch over the weekend has been pictured.
The Metropolitan Police reported on Saturday the girl, named as Brooke by a relative, died after being struck by the branch in Surrey.
Billy Etherington named Brooke and released a picture of the girl, who was described as “a shining light in our lives” in a crowdfund launched to help her mother with funeral costs.
The gofundme page reads: “On Saturday 9th of November our family’s life changed forever when we lost our beautiful Brooke to a tragic accident.
“A mum lost a daughter, a brother lost a big sister and a family lost a shining light in our lives that will never be replaced.”
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According to a Facebook page created in Brooke’s memory by the same relative, a gathering will be held on Wednesday “to let off lanterns and balloons to celebrate her 13th birthday”.
Emergency services were called shortly after 4pm on Saturday following the incident in Grove Place, near the junction with Carshalton Road, Banstead.
“The incident is not believed to be suspicious, however enquiries continue to establish the circumstances,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said when news of the incident emerged.
A report will be prepared for the coroner in due course, they added.