THE devastated parents of a young girl killed in a road tragedy have paid a poignant tribute to their daughter – on the day of her sixth birthday.Kiara Stevenson-Mann was riding her bike along Landseer Road, Ipswich, on Thursday, when she was in a collision with a coach.

By Danielle Nuttall

THE devastated parents of a young girl killed in a road tragedy have paid a poignant tribute to their daughter – on the day of her sixth birthday.

Kiara Stevenson-Mann was riding her bike along Landseer Road, Ipswich, on Thursday, when she was in a collision with a coach.

The youngster, of Ireland Road, Ipswich, died after suffering serious head injuries.

Kiara was due to celebrate her sixth birthday today at a special party with family and friends.

As her grieving family tries to come to terms with their loss, her parents Michelle Stevenson and Colin Mann paid a poignant birthday tribute to their angel, who was loved by everyone she met.

“She was always happy and cheeky. Everyone loved her and she had loads of friends,” said Mr Mann, 29.

“She thought she was the Barbie girl. She loved riding her bike and enjoyed going to school. She liked to do drawings.

“It's been hard. A lot of family and friends have supported us. We just cannot believe it.”

Ms Stevenson, 27, said Kiara and her three-year-old sister Georgia were extremely close and went everywhere together.

The couple have given Kiara's birthday presents to Georgia to try and take her mind off the tragedy and because it would have been what the little girl would have wanted.

“She's too young to take it all in. They had their moments and pulled each other's hair but they were just so close,” said Ms Stevenson.

“What one had the other one had. They both had the same of everything. She wouldn't even sleep without Kiara and we're surprised she has slept over the last couple of days. They used to share a bunk bed.

“There are so many photographs and it's every time I look at the teddy she took everywhere. She had it in her cot since she was three months and she wouldn't go anywhere without it.”

The accident happened between the junctions of Reynolds Road and Raeburn Road at lunchtime on Thursday.

Dozens of floral tributes, teddy bears and cards from family, friends and strangers have been laid at the spot.

The couple has also received more than 70 cards of condolence through their door – some of which have been from people they do not know.

Kiara was looking forward to her birthday party, which was due to be held at the Charlie Chalks activity area at the Swallow pub in Ipswich.

The little girl had invited about 15 friends and had asked her parents for a skipping rope and roller-skates.

Ms Stevenson said: “She was a happy girl. Everyone loved her. She never fell out with anyone.”

The couple would like to thank everyone who has offered them support or sent messages of condolence. They would also like to thank the police, and their friends and family.