A YOUNG girl has tragically died after being struck by a minibus in central Reading at rush hour, as police have launched an appeal for witnesses.

The incident occurred between 8.15am and 8.30am on Tuesday, on the junction of Goldsmid Road and Russell Street.

Police said a red Ford Transit minibus hit the four-year-old girl, who was seriously injured and later died in hospital.

The driver stayed at the scene after the girl was hit and no arrests have been made, according to Thames Valley Police. 

Detective Inspector Justin Thomas, who is leading the investigation, said: “A young child was very sadly killed as a result of this collision. My thoughts are with the family and everyone affected."

The girl's family are said to being looked after by the force's specially trained officers. 

Det Insp Thomas continued: “An investigation is underway and I am appealing to anybody who was in the local area at the time of the collision to check any dash-cam footage in case it has captured something that may help the investigation."

Russell Street is in the heart of the town centre and within walking distance to a number of local schools including All Saints Infants, Oxford Road Community School and Coley Primary School. 

Det Insp Thomas said anyone who was in the area at the time can share their footage with the force online to help with their investigation. 

He continued: “You can upload digital evidence via our dedicated portal for this investigation or if you witnessed it, please contact us on 101 or make a report online via our website, quoting reference 43240471081.”