Car kills teenager as she runs to save her little brother

"Bubbly and polite": Lillian Groves had stopped her brother running into the road
12 April 2012

A teenage girl was knocked down and killed when she ran into a road to save her younger brother as he chased a football.

Lillian Groves, 14, was hit by a car when she ran to rescue her eight-year-old brother Oliver, who had followed his ball into the road.

She was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of Sunday following the collision in New Addington, Croydon.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "Lillian had run into the road to get the ball after she was playing with her brother Oliver.

"It had gone into the road and she stopped Oliver from getting it, but got hit herself. Everyone will truly miss her — she had a sparkle in her eyes and always had a smile on her face."

Tributes have been pouring in for the teenager. Family friend Angela Dickinson, 41, said: "Lillian was best friends with one of my daughters. She was such a bubbly and polite little girl. I'm shocked to the core."

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact them on 020 8284 5931 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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