Police investigating Walsall hit-and-run crash death of Katniss Selezneva find two motorbikes
Two abandoned motorbikes have been recovered by police investigating the death of a seven-year-old girl in a hit-and-run crash in Walsall.
A 14-year-old-boy arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on conditional bail.
Katniss Selezneva was struck by a motorbike just after 7pm on Thursday at Turnstone Road in Blakenall.
She was found with critical injuries and taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where she later died.
Det Sgt Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our work to establish the facts around this tragic incident is continuing.
“We have recovered two motorbikes and they will now be forensically examined as part of those extensive enquiries. And at this awful time our thoughts remain with the family of Katniss, who are being supported and have asked to be left to grieve in private.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to all those people who have already come to us with information – it is truly appreciated.
“We would ask again that anyone who was at the scene does still come forward, as what they know may be valuable to our ongoing investigation.”
Katniss’s mother Tsvetelina Selezneva paid tribute to her “angel” in a Facebook post.
“God took her away too young and fragile. I don’t have strength and I don’t want to say goodbye to you, my star,” she wrote.
“How to let you go, my heart is bleeding, my soul is aching. Who will take care of you now up there my angel! I’m powerless, words are not enough, no consolation!”
She said her daughter had told her every day “I love you mom, you are the best mother”.
Addressing her daughter, Ms Selezneva wrote: “Your dad was calling you – ‘open your eyes Katniss, dad is here, open them’ – but you closed them forever!”
Flowers, balloons and stuffed toys were left at the scene of the crash on Friday.
Dozens of bunches of brightly-coloured bouquets paid tribute to the girl, with one reading: “I will remember your beautiful soul forever. Thinking and praying for your family.”
Another said: “Rest in peace beautiful girl.”