Quad bike death father arrested

Elizabeth Cooke was taken to hospital where she died

The father of a seven-year-old who died after the quadbike she was riding was in a head-on collision with a Range Rover on Boxing Day has been arrested.

Elizabeth Cooke and her brother Jack, 10, were riding quadbikes behind a Range Rover driven by their father when the accident happened, police said.

They were near their home in Blackmore, Essex, when Elizabeth's machine was in collision with an oncoming Range Rover.

Her 46-year-old father was released on bail until later this month.

A 28-year-old woman who was driving the other Range Rover was released without charge.

Quadbikes for Christmas

She had been arrested on suspicion of driving without due care and attention following the crash.

Elizabeth and Jack had been given quadbikes for Christmas.

The seven-year-old was taken to her home, about half-a-mile away, after the crash.

Ambulance crews were then called to the house after paramedics were told that the girl had suffered internal injuries.

Police said Elizabeth died shortly after arriving at hospital in nearby Chelmsford.

A post-mortem examination showed she had suffered multiple injuries. Police said Elizabeth was riding a red petrol-engined Pro Shark quadbike.

A spokesman said it was illegal for anyone under 16 to ride a quadbike on a public road. He said officers were investigating "all the circumstances" of the accident.

Anyone with information about the crash, which happened in Fingrith Hall Lane, is asked to contact Essex Police.