Girl, 14, killed after she was hit by a car that was "racing in convoy" with another vehicle, inquest hears

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Courtney Ellis was fatally injured in the crash, which happened after she had been in a park with a friend Credit: Echo Syndication

A 14-year-old girl "with a heart of gold" was knocked down and killed after she was hit by a car that was "racing in convoy" with another vehicle, an inquest has heard.Courtney Ellis was fatally injured in the crash, which happened after she had been in a park with a friend and her sister last month.Two teenagers, aged 18 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after the crash in St Helens.

Courtney's cause of death was today given as multiple injuries. Credit: Echo Syndication

Both remain under investigation but have since been released from custody.Today, at the opening of Courtney's inquest, it was revealed how witnesses saw two cars travelling in convoy, which appeared to be racing.The inquest heard how a file has now been sent by detectives to the Crown Prosecution Service to see whether they will be charged.Courtney's cause of death was today given as multiple injuries.Coroner's officer Albert Howard-Murphy told the inquest:

She continued: "They were in multiple locations, consistent with a road traffic collision."She was given CPR at the scene before being transferred by ambulance, to Whiston Hospital."

Courtney's cause of death was today given as multiple injuries. Credit: Echo Syndication

Courtney, from Haydock, sadly died a short time later.Police investigators say the weather was dry, visibility was good, and there were no parked cars obstructing any view on the 30mph road.CCTV footage obtained by police corroborated suggestions cars were seen racing, Mr Murphy said.The coroner's officer said Courtney had been in the park and then climbed over a wall with her sister and friend.She ran across Blackbrook Road "without warning", Mr Murphy added.Last month, the teenager's devastated dad Colin paid tribute to his "princess" and described her as a "beautiful little girl" who could make anyone laugh."He said:

  • Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC or 101 quoting ref. 20000569277.Alternatively you can contact the Roads Policing Unit on 0151 777 5747 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.