The family of a three-year-old girl who died after a road accident in Canterbury Gardens, Hadleigh, have said her death has “robbed us of much of the sparkle of life”.

Rosa Simon, was “a much beloved and loving daughter and sister”, they said. “Small in size, but a giant in character, kindness and with a sheer joy at being alive.

“It has been a privilege to have known her as parents and as siblings. She made us better and happier people.

“We are devastated by losing her. Her death has robbed us of much of the sparkle of life. We now ask that as a grieving family we are given time to be with our dear family and friends.”

Rosa passed away last night after a collision involving a Hyundai car.

Police were contacted by the ambulance service just after 5.45pm with a report they were attending a collision involving a vehicle and a child in Canterbury Gardens in Hadleigh.

Officers attended and immediately began attempts to resuscitate the child. These efforts were continued by ambulance personnel on arrival before she was taken to Ipswich Hospital by road ambulance; however she sadly died a short time later.

Enquiries are continuing but initially it appears the three-year-old girl may have been on a toy scooter when she was in collision with the Hyundai car.

The driver, who was not related to the girl, received medical treatment for shock.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen what happened, who hasn’t already spoken to officers, to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Suffolk Police by dialing 101, quoting CAD 363 of Tuesday, June 17.