Mum pays heartbreaking tribute to Courtney Ellis, 14

Courtney Ellis, who was 14, died after being knocked down on Blackbrook Road, Blackbrook at about 9.50pm on Saturday.

Police have formally identified Courtney, who was from Haydock, as the girl who died in the collision.

READ > High school pays tribute to girl, 14, who died after being hit by car

Courtney’s mum, Angela, has issued a touching tribute to her daughter on behalf of the "devastated" family.

The 14-year-old leaves behind family including mum Angela; stepdad Phil; siblings Morgan, Roman and Harper; grandad Paul and aunts Sarah and Debbie.

In the tribute Angela said: “Courtney was a bubbly girl, who loved to be around friends and family, she was so loveable and protective of her peers. Courtney wanted to be a midwife and was ready to start knuckling down in school to achieve good grades as she realised it was what she needed to do to be able to go on to further things once leaving school, she had so much potential.

“Courtney is like me, her mum, when it comes to emotional feelings. We could cry at watching soaps, she would cry at animal films if they were sad ones, so if she knew that this had happened and wouldn't be able to see all of us she would be so heartbroken.

"All her family are devastated and can't believe that she has been taken away from us, I, her mum, gave birth to her not knowing she would only have 14 years’ worth of a life and I wish that I could have done more and gave more so that she could have fulfilled so much more before she passed."

Angela added: “No parent should outlive their child. Morgan, her sister, is finding it hard to cope as she was best friends with Courtney and they did everything together, they could argue like cat and dog but they loved each other so much, Courtney was so protective of Morgan and she was younger than her but that was just Courtney's personality. All her friends say how funny she was and polite and kind and to hear that makes me proud that I brought a beautiful human being up.

“Courtney has two younger siblings Roman and Harper who she adored and they will be reminded of Courtney every day, Roman loved playing with Courtney as she would act silly and her laugh whilst doing so would make you laugh it was so catching.

"I will make sure they remember her through pictures and videos. Me, Phil (her step dad), Morgan, Roman, Harper, grandad Paul, Sarah and Debbie (her aunts) are finding this so hard and are going to miss her so much, I can't get my head around this. We love you so much Courtney.”

READ > 'Fly high princess': Floral tributes left to girl, 14, who died after being hit by car

A police investigation into Courtney's death is ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident, or has CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to get in touch.

Two men, aged 18 and 19, who were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident, have been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

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