Vicky Thomas was a 'lively girl'

A 12-year-old girl has died after a cast iron fence at a park in Derby collapsed.

Police say Vicky Thomas was playing on the six-foot high railings at the exit to Osmaston Park with two friends at 1930 BST on Monday.

She suffered head injuries when a section of the fence collapsed throwing her to the ground.

She was taken to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary where she later died.

Sergeant Alec Wallis from Derbyshire Police, who was at the scene shortly after it happened, said it is not clear exactly what happened.

The scene is being investigated

"It would appear that at one stage she was underneath the railings.

"Some passers-by pulled the railings off.

"We have got some information from the first people at the scene just saying how upsetting it was."

The Health and Safety executive and the city council are to conduct investigations into the incident.

Local newsagent Mahendra Vithlani, whose shop faces the accident scene, said Vicky visited his shop every day.

'Same as usual'

"She was a lively girl and chatty and came in each morning before school to buy sweets, crisps or drinks.

"She was even in the shop yesterday morning and seemed just the same as usual.

"Vicky lived nearby with members of her family and had a number of cousins, who also used to come into the shop."

Derby City Council is carrying out checks on similar railings at other parks.

"The council is co-operating fully with the investigation into the incident being carried out by the HSE and Derbyshire Police," said a spokeswoman.