Lollipop lady killed by bus carrying school pupils

A LOLLIPOP lady who was knocked down by a bus carrying schoolchildren died last night.

Audrey Williams, 79, had been helping children to cross Hillfoot Road in Ayr when she was hit by the single-decker vehicle at about 8:55am.

Mrs Williams, from Coylton, Ayr, was taken by ambulance to Ayr hospital where she was in intensive care with a head injury.

The southbound single-decker bus was taking around 30 children to nearby Queen Margaret Academy.

The 55-year-old driver of the bus and the pupils on board were unhurt.

Mrs Williams, who had been a school crossing patroller for about ten years, had crossed from the east to west footpath on Hillfoot Road with the children as they made their way to nearby Forehill Primary just before the incident.

As she turned to cross back to the east footpath, she was struck by the bus.

Her family, who are believed to have been at her bedside when she died, described her as a very active lady in the local community.

Paying tribute to Mrs Williams last night, Sheena Templeton, the headteacher of Forehill Primary, said: "I am very saddened to hear that our lovely lollipop lady Audrey has died this evening.

"This is devastating news for the school community and our thoughts and sympathies are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

"As we did today, we will bring our older pupils together in the morning to let them know what has happened and to give them the opportunity to remember Audrey fondly.

"We will also advise the younger classes, but do this on an individual class basis like we did earlier today.

"Support will be available as required to anyone affected by today's events and once this tragic news has had time to sink in, we can consider as a school how we can best remember our lollipop lady."

Strathclyde Police said no arrests had been made in connection with the incident and appealed for information.

Sergeant Stevie White said: "Road policing officers have been carrying out a detailed examination at the scene all morning, and at this time we are still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the accident.

"We know that the children were being helped across Hillfoot Road to get to Forehill Primary, which is in nearby Caledonia Road, and thankfully no children were on the road at the time."

Sgt White added: "We have been speaking to a number of people who witnessed the accident, but we believe there may be others who left the area prior to police arrival.

"Therefore I would appeal to anyone who hasn't yet spoken to us to contact Ayr Police Office."

A report will be sent to the procurator-fiscal.