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Family pay tribute to toddler who died following collision

27/ 6/2008

THE devastated family of a toddler who died after a collision with a car in Denton have paid tribute to her.

It is understood Sienna Jade O’Hara was crushed under the wheels of a neighbour’s car after wandering into the street.

Police were called to Palatine Mews shortly before 9am on Thursday.

Paramedics arrived within minutes and treated the little girl at the scene. She was taken to Tameside Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Sienna’s heartbroken family, her mum Michelle Newton, dad Peter O'Hara, step-dad Jason Burton, brothers Brandon, seven, Jackson, four, and her grandparents, paid the following tribute: "Sienna was a sweet, cheeky and independent little girl. We have all been left devastated by her death and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.

"Sienna's favourite toy was a unicorn teddy, which is with her now. She loved singing and dancing. Her favourite singer was Leona Lewis and her favourite song was Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. She also liked Lazy Town and Barbie.

"Sienna would often wake up her brothers and get them to make her breakfast. She was a loving, caring, sister, daughter and granddaughter."

A vehicle, believed to be a blue Audi A3, was taken away for examination.  The driver of the car was not injured, but was treated at Manchester Royal Infirmary for shock.

Eyewitness John Cunningham, 35, who runs a fencing company just yards away from the incident, said: "I think the mum was strapping her other children in to the car and the little girl walked out just as the other person was reversing to go to work.

"I heard these terrible loud screams and ran over. People were hysterical, someone called 999 and I went in the house to get a towel to stem the wound but she was in a pretty bad state.

"I just feel so sorry for them all. I have a two-year-old child myself. It only takes a minute for something terrible to happen."

An investigation into the collision is underway and any witnesses should call traffic police on 0161 856 8473.