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Tribute to 'beautiful' baby who died in church car park

BBC flowersBBC
Flowers were left close to the scene of the accident

The parents of a one-year-old girl who died after being hit by a Land Rover in a church car park have paid tribute to their "beautiful" daughter.

Ivy Mae Ross was struck outside the Plymouth Brethren meeting hall in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, at about 19:45 on Wednesday. She was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but died a short time later.

Her parents Holly and Glenn said it was a "tragic accident" that had left them devastated.

The church told BBC Scotland News she was part of its "vibrant local community" and said the accident happened after a Bible reading at the hall.

police at the scene
There was a large police presence at the scene on Wednesday evening

The couple said: "We can confirm that our beautiful daughter Ivy Mae passed away following a tragic accident last evening after our regular church gathering.

"We are absolutely devastated and ask that our privacy is respected at this challenging time.

"We value all the prayers and messages of sympathy and support we have received from the local community. The emergency services tireless work and support is greatly appreciated."

Insp Scott Deans of Police Scotland said: “At this time, our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, along with everyone else affected by this tragic incident.

“Our investigation into the circumstances remain ongoing and we’d like to thank the wider Balmedie community for their patience and understanding as officers carry out their inquiries in the area."

The Plymouth Brethern church thanked emergency services, and said they were "very professional and compassionate" in their response to the incident.

In a statement, the church said: "We are a very supportive church, and we are giving the family and friends of the people involved in the accident the help they need."

Police Scotland said the 40-year-old man driving the car was not injured.

Meeting hall in Balmedie
The Plymouth Brethren meeting hall in Balmedie

The Plymouth Brethren is an evangelical Christian church which was established in the early 19th Century.

The church teaches a very strict interpretation of the Bible.

Members follow a rigid code of practice and the church says it is very family-centred.

Aberdeenshire councillor for Mid Formartine, Andrew Hassan, described it as a "tragic accident" that had affected the whole community.

“It wasn’t just the family that would have been leaving the church, it would have been the church congregation," he said.

“It will be deeply felt by them all.”