Floral tributes have been left at a spot on the A148 near Sheringham Park where a 15-year-old girl was killed yesterday. Police say it will be 'at least 48 hours' before they can release the name of the victim of last night's road tragedy near the entrance to the north Norfolk beauty spot.
Attached to one bouquet is a note reading: 'A ray of sunshine, your cheeky smile brightened everyone's day. Heaven has gained a little belter - our thoughts are with your family.'
The teenage pedestrian, believed to be from north Norfolk, was killed when she was involved in a collision with a lorry at about 5pm, near the A148's junction with Lodge Hill.
The scene is close to the National Trust's Sheringham Park, a popular tourist attraction, famed for its rhododendrons and stunning sea and countryside view.
Malcolm Fisher, visitor services manager at the attraction, said the first he knew of the tragedy was when the head ranger arrived and said he had been delayed because the road was closed outside.
Mr Fisher believed the accident happened shortly before 5pm, a little away from the Lodge Hill junction, towards Sheringham.
The park gates had been locked at 5pm, as usual at this time of year, and he had left about 10 minutes later by which time the road had been closed.
'Our thoughts go out to the family of the victim,' he said.
About three years ago the National Trust was among representatives at a roadside meeting with parish, district and county councillors to discuss safety at the busy A148 junction but Mr Fisher said the trust had only attended as an interested party and did not take a view on the subject.
Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance, were at the scene late into the night and a section of the A148 was closed until 11.10pm.
Police are appealing for witnesses and say a Scania lorry was travelling towards Cromer when it was involved in the collision.
The male driver was uninjured and helped police with their inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A police spokesman said investigations at the scene had been completed last night, although officers might return in daylight.
Norman Lamb, North Norfolk MP, said the circumstances will have to be investigated to establish what happened but offered his 'heartfelt sympathy' to the family 'who have been hit by this tragedy'.
One appliance from Sheringham and one from Cromer attended the crash and helped to make the vehicle safe
A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) said they were called to the crash at about 5.06pm and sent a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance to the scene but said the female was confirmed dead at the scene.
Police would like to speak to anyone who believes they saw the female pedestrian in the area shortly before 5pm.
They are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the white lorry, which had been carrying plant machinery, prior to the collision.
Witnesses are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT) at Norfolk Constabulary on 101.
? Would you like to pay tribute to the crash victim? Call reporter Alex Hurrell on 01263 513316 or email alex.hurrell@archant.co.uk
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