Tributes have been paid to ‘sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl’ who died in a fatal road traffic collision between a van and a tram in Manchester on Saturday as police reveal they have arrested a man.
The 36-year-old is currently being held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Three-year-old Louisa Palmisano, from Burnley, tragically died in the incident.
Emergency services responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving the tram and the van in Manchester city centre at around 10am on Saturday.
The van collided with the tram, which forced the van onto the pavement where it collided with a pedestrian. Lulu was taken to hospital and sadly passed away from her injuries.
The driver of the van fled the scene but officers have today arrested a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.
Louisa’s parents, who were visiting Manchester for the weekend, paid tribute to her. They said: ‘Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl.
‘She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day.
‘Her absence has left a devastating void in our family—she was our only child, our whole world.
‘We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair.
‘The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.’
Detective Sergeant Andrew Page, of Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘The family are being supported by specialist officers and have requested that the public and press respect their privacy at this time.
‘We have arrested a suspect and have brought him into custody.
‘This is still an active investigation, and we are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the case to come forward to get in touch with us. Please contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1086 of 22/02/25.
‘Alternatively, details can be shared on our LiveChat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.’
