‘Devastated’ family pay tribute to ‘ray of sunshine’ daughter, 12, after she was hit and killed by bus on her school lunch break

Twelve-year-old Sophia Aitken died after being struck by a double-decker bus during her school lunch break in Kilwinning, Ayrshire. Her family’s tribute and the police appeal for information underline the loss felt by those close to her and the wider community.

The collision happened on Lauchlan Way shortly after 1.10pm on Tuesday. Sophia was pronounced dead at the scene; no one else was injured, and the road reopened at about 7.30pm after investigations. Police Scotland is continuing to establish what happened and is asking anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to contact officers.