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This is the first picture of a six-year-old girl died after being hit by a 4x4 as she excitedly ran across a road to see her daddy.

Tragic Lara Fernandes-Pontes was knocked down by a Landrover Discovery as she dashed out into a road where her father parked up to collect from a birthday party.

She was seriously injured at South Oxhey, Herts, yesterday afternoon and airlifted to Watford General Hospital where medics were unable to save her.

Today neighbour Carlos Alves, 51, told how Lara had been at a friend’s party shortly before the accident.

He said: "The little girl had just been at a friend’s party, there were lots of kids around.

“Her mum had gone inside to pick her up while her dad stayed outside in his car with other young children, possibly her brothers or sisters.

“He was parked on the other side of the road to the house, and she came running out to greet him and as she ran across the road she was hit by the car.

“It’s very shocking and very, very sad. The emergency services came and then I found out she had died. It’s tragic.”

Lara leaves behind mother Marlene Pontes, 28, and father Andre Pontes, 29, from South Oxhey.

Today her family paid tribute to the schoolgirl and said she “created wonderful memories” during her short life.

Speaking from the family home her cousin Jessica Fernandes Oliveira, 21, said the youngster’s parents were too distraught to talk.

She said: “This is devastating news for our family. Lara was like my little sister.

“She will be eternally missed and remained in my heart, forever treasuring her beautiful smile that created wonderful memories in the short time she had been with us.

“I promise to support and take care of her parents in this very difficult time. Rest in peace my little angel.”

Lara’s auntie Juliana Sa, 28, added: “You will be forever missed. Your godmother and little cousins love you with all their heart.”

Her other aunt, Gabby Araujo, 23, said: “Your auntie will miss you very much, and I will miss her face lighting up when she was with me. “She will be forever in my heart.”

Lara was attending the birthday party for her best friend when she was mowed down.

The birthday girl’s mother said she was “devastated” by the death of her daughter’s friend and said she may now be forced to move house to escape the haunting memories.

Speaking through tears on her doorstep, the mother, who did not want to be named, said: “We only have good things to say about her.

“She was my daughter’s best friend and she was in my house all the time. “I am very shaken up by what happened and I’ve already spoken to the police about it.

“She was just so young. She always had a smile on her face. I might have to move because every time I open my door I am just going to see her face.

“I am devastated and I just keep thinking about her family.”

A resident on the street where the tragedy occurred said he heard the screams of the youngster’s mother, Marlene, 28, in the aftermath of the crash.

Steve McGregor, 26, had just returned home when the accident happened.

He said: “The mother was screaming outside when I got home and everyone was around the area.

“The ambulance landed in the field just down from where it happened and there were ambulances and police all around.

“People I have spoken to just heard a big crash and then lots of screams.”

Hertfordshire police are appealing for witnesses.

Sergeant Chris Kent said: “This is a tragic loss of a young life in these circumstances.

“The family are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.

“The driver and the occupants of the vehicle were unharmed but obviously shaken by what happened.

“At the moment we are investigating the circumstances of the collision.

“We have spoken to a number of people at the scene and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what happened and has not yet spoken to officers.”