A ten-year-old girl has died after a BMW car crashed onto a sports field during a youngsters’ football training session.

An eight-old girl was injured as the black car ploughed on the pitch.

Her injuries are not life threatening.

The crash happened at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, Cumbria.

The incident site has been cordoned off by the police.

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The BMW i40 appears to have crashed through metal fencing and dropped four feet onto the pitch below.

One volunteer at the rugby club said:

“What happened is horrific.

“The football is usually a fantastic sight to see because there are so many kids all running around enjoying themselves.”

The GT7 Academy runs training sessions at the club for boys and girls as young as four years old.

It was founded by Garry Thompson, 44, who made more than 600 appearances in the English Football League.

Tim Farron, the local Liberal Democrat MP, said:

“This is devastating, utterly heartbreaking news.

“I’m praying for the children and for their families and friends.

“Our community in Kendal is stunned and in mourning.”

In a statement, Cumbria Constabulary said:

“Police can confirm that one of the children involved has sadly died.

“The second child involved in this collision is being treated by paramedics.

“Specialist investigators are at the scene, and the area has been cordoned off as initial investigation inquiries take place.

“The driver of the car, a man aged in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

“The car involved was a black BMW i40.

“Police are treating this collision as an isolated incident, and there is no suggestion at this time that this is terror related.”