One-year-old baby girl who died after being hit by a Land Rover in church car park after bible reading is named - as tributes are paid

A baby who died after being hit by a Land Rover following a bible reading in a church car park in Scotland has been named as her heartbroken parents paid tribute to her.

Ivy Mae has been named by her devastated parents after the tragic incident at Plymouth Brethren Church in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, at 7.45pm on Wednesday.

The one-year-old girl was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but died shortly after.

The 40-year-old driver was also injured. 

In a statement released by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, the parents said: 'We can confirm that our beautiful daughter Ivy Mae passed away following a tragic accident last evening after our regular church gathering in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. 

'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.' 

Plymouth Brethren church told BBC Scotland that the accident happened after a bible reading at the hall and that the baby killed was part of its 'vibrant local community'. 

It remains unclear whether the baby was in a pram or not when she was hit by the Land Rover. 

On its website Plymouth Brethren Christian Church describes itself as a community of more than 50,000 members across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Americas (including the Caribbean) and the UK.

It adds that the church is 'deeply family-oriented and and members live, work and pray as "Brethren"'.

A heavy police presence was at the scene on Wednesday night and Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the collision.

The church said in a previous statement: '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.'

The spokesperson also thanked members of the emergency services who attended the incident.

Inspector Scott Deans, from 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 enquiries in the area.

'Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 3390 of 15 May, 2024.'