Family in tribute to 12-year-old ‘ray of sunshine’ killed in bus crash

The family of a 12-year-old girl who died after being hit by a bus have said they are “devastated”.

Sophia Aitken, from Kilwinning, was pronounced dead at the scene after she was hit by the vehicle on Lauchlan Way in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, at around 1.10pm on Tuesday.

In a statement, her family said: “We are devastated at the loss of our darling daughter Sophia.

“She was a ray of sunshine, and was loved by everyone who knew her. A light has gone out, and it will never return. We are comforted by the messages from the community.”

The family have asked for privacy to grieve.

Police have said inquiries into the crash are ongoing.

“Our thoughts first and foremost are with Sophia’s family and friends, and everyone affected by this crash,” Sergeant Stewart Taylor said.

“We know there were a lot of people out in the area at the time of this crash, and I’d like to thank those witnesses who have come forward in support of our inquiries, along with those who assisted at the scene.

“This incident will be felt by the local community and our investigation continues to establish what happened.”

Police have asked anyone with relevant dashcam footage or information that has not already been provided to officers to get in contact as soon as possible.

Those with information should call Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 1484 of November 3.