THIS is the first picture of the nine-year-old who was killed in a collision with a car.

Aleena Kauser’s family released the photograph in tribute to their ‘angel’ daughter who they also described as ‘sweet and caring’.

The youngster is believed to have been walking with her mother when tragedy struck at around 5pm on Friday.

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The collision with the Audi A5 happened shortly after 5pm on Bacup Road in Rawtenstall.

In a tribute, the family said in a statement: “Our family has been devastated by the death of our youngest daughter. Aleena was a sweet, caring child who touched the lives of everyone she met.

“Our home feels empty and our hearts broken but we thank God for blessing us by lending us his angel for nine years.”

A 19-year-old man and a 22-year-old man were arrested shortly after the incident, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

After being questioned for most of the weekend, the pair, both from Rawtenstall, were released on bail pending further inquires until November 30.

Since the tragedy, family, friends and many strangers have left tributes at the scene.

The family, from Rawtenstall, added in the statement: “During our darkest time we have felt comforted and humbled by the overwhelming kindness and good wishes of friends, neighbours, Aleena’s school friends, and the wider Rossendale community.

“We will remember this and we will be eternally grateful.

“We would also like to express our sincerest thanks to Lancashire Police for the compassion and understanding they have shown to our family during this exceptionally difficult time.”

Aleena was airlifted to Royal Blackburn hospital where she died. The road was closed for four and a half hours while police investigated.

Officers are still working to piece together exactly what happened in the lead-up to the collision.

An inquest will be opened in Blackburn on Thursday, October 1 at 1.45pm.

Sgt David Hurst of the Road Policing Unit said: “This was a tragic incident in which a little girl has very sadly lost her life and my thoughts remain with her family at this difficult time.

“Our investigation to establish exactly how the collision occurred is continuing and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened to contact us as soon as possible.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the white Audi A5 and a green Volkswagen Golf travelling in the vicinity prior to the collision.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 1060 of September 18.