The mother of a girl killed by a stolen car in Northumberland is a nurse at the hospital where staff tried to save her daughter's life.

Rebecca Sawyer, six, died from her injuries at Wansbeck General Hospital when a stolen Vauxhall Astra allegedly went through a red a red light and smashed into her family's hatchback on New Year's Eve.

Rebecca's 18-month-old sister, Kirsty, is critically ill at Newcastle General Hospital.

Three people are being questioned by police in connection with the accident.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene

The girls' father, Steven, who was driving the family Citreon, is also in hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Inspector Paul Gilroy, who is leading the investigation, said staff at Wansbeck General found it particularly hard, as they knew the family.

He said: "It was particularly difficult for the staff at the hospital as they knew the family and as Rebecca's mother is a nurse."

The Astra, stolen from the Durham area 10 days earlier and bearing false number plates, crashed into the family's Citroen Saxo as it crossed the junction at around 2245 on 31 December.

Serious injuries

Both girls had been travelling in the back seat of the car which was being driven by their 33-year-old father.

He suffered serious injuries and is currently in Wansbeck General Hospital.

Police said they believed the family had been travelling to their home in Malvern Close, Ashington.

Hospital staff failed to resuscitate Rebecca, who died from her injuries at 0005 on New Year's Day.

One man was arrested at the scene and another man and a woman ran away.

Mr Gilroy said a man and a woman had since handed themselves in to police and were being questioned about the incident.

Stolen car

Police are still appealing for a fourth person believed to have been in the car to come forward.

Northumbria Police said no police vehicles were pursuing the stolen car at the time of the crash.

Both cars were shunted into David Singh's corner shop, in Ashington, and Kirsty was thrown out into the road where she lay motionless.

Floral tributes, cuddly toys and cards have been placed at the scene.

One unsigned card read: "May the angels watch over you little Rebecca. We pray for your family."