THE heartbroken family of a 13-year-old girl who died in a crash have paid tribute to her life.

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

"Ingrid was a beautiful and happy sister, daughter, granddaughter, cousin and a friend to many," her family said in a statement.

"She was polite and full of vitality with a "give it a go" attitude and fun to be in the company of. She had a very bright future ahead of her.

"Her untimely passing has left us all devastated.

"She will remain a vivid image in our minds, be deeply loved in our hearts and desperately missed for evermore.”

Ingrid Messenger, 13, was a back seat passenger in a silver Citroen car.

Her mum and 14-year-old sister were also in the vehicle.

Ingrid is from the Dalston area and attended Caldew School.

There were three vehicles involved - the Citroen, a Landrover Defender and a Mercedes Sprinter van.

The Landrover driver, a 45-year-old man from west Cumbria, has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences and perverting the course of justice.

He has since been released under investigation.

Ingrid was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her 43-year-old mother was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, after being cut from the wreckage.

Her condition was initially described as critical, but is now said to be stable.

Ingrid's sister was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle and suffered minor injuries.

The crash happened just after 2.20pm.

The road was closed for over six hours.

Both the Landrover driver and van driver - a 60-year-old man from Lancashire - were treated at the scene for shock and minor injuries.

Two crews from Cumbria Fire Service, Carlisle East and West attended the scene, along with two North West Ambulance Service vehicles and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Specialist police officers are supporting the family, and the school has been made aware to allow support to be put in place for Ingrid's friends.

A police spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the family and those involved at this time".

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact PC2207 Nick Quinn of Cumbria Mobile Support Group on 101.