A Carlisle church leader said the Christian community is praying for the family of 13-year-old Ingrid Messenger, who was killed in a car crash earlier this week.

The teenager lost her life in a three-vehicle collision outside the Crown Inn, at Broadfield Common, near Ivegill, on Monday.

Her mum and 15-year-old sister, who were also injured in the crash, remain in hospital.

Ingrid’s death has left her family and friends devastated, while even those who didn’t know her have been affected by such a young life lost during half term.

More than 500 people have paid tribute to the youngster on the News& Star Facebook page.

Reverend Simon Bickersteth, from St James Church, Carlisle, said that the local Christian community is praying for the family.

Although he doesn’t know the family personally, he said it is such a tragic situation that nobody could fail to be moved by it.

“I am the father of three children, one of who is due to turn 13 in a few weeks time, and I cannot comprehend what it must be like lose a child in a car accident.

“As a church we are holding the family in our prayers at this very sad and difficult time,” he said.

He posted a message on the church Facebook page asking people to join him in prayer and keep Ingrid’s family in their thoughts.

“In situations like this it is hard to know how to pray, but ask God to be near to all those who are grieving this day, that they might know His comfort in the midst of such unimaginable loss.

“Pray too for the emergency services who responded to this accident, and for the police as investigations into what happened are ongoing,” it said.