Funeral of County Derry girl (11) who died after being struck by car to take place on Sunday

The funeral of a County Derry girl who died after being struck by a car after she exited a school bus will take place on Sunday.

Caitlin-Rose McMullan, who was a year eight pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt, was hit by the car after getting off the bus on the Hillhead Road, near Castledawson, shortly after 4pm on Wednesday (March 5).

The 11 year-old will be laid to rest on Sunday, March 9 following Requiem Mass, which takes place at 2.30pm in Church of St Mary in Bellaghy.

Burial will take place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

A death notice states that Caitlin-Rose is the 'beloved daughter of Colm and Stella and dear sister of Sheá, granddaughter of Mehall and Kate and Rosemary and Clement'.

The notice added: 'Forever loved by her dad, mum, brother, grandparents and all the McMullan and McGinn families and their extended family circle and friends'.

Caitlin-Rose's wake will commence at 7pm this evening (Friday).

The young girl's school have paid tribute describing her as 'outgoing, bubbly and caring'.

“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her former teachers described her as a ‘joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature’,” the statement from St Pius X College read.

“She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike.

“Caitlin-Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.”

Hundreds of tributes have also been paid online to Caitlin-Rose with many describing her death as 'heartbreaking'.

“Sleep tight beautiful angel. Just a wee girl too good for this world. Thinking of all her family and friends during this terrible time. May Caitlin-Rose rest in peace in a place far better than this world,” one tribute read.

Another person said: “It is very hard to put into words the feelings of heartbroken loss and tragedy. Such devastation for a really lovely family... the news we all hope we never get. A beautiful child snatched as she was just starting to blossom.”