It is thought the five year old girl who died at a steam fair near Lostwithiel was excitedly running towards a fairground ride.

Witnesses tell Pirate FM the tot was hit by a reversing truck at Lanlivery Vintage Rally as she made for a helter skelter.

Police are trying to piece together what happened during Saturday's trip with her foster family.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "At approximately 1140 hours on Saturday a five year old girl was struck by a slow moving vehicle in a field at the Lanlivery Steam Fair.

The two day show continued on Sunday after the little girl's parents gave their permission for it to continue.

Local Reverend Phillip James Conway has led prayers at the site. He said the local community have reacted with shock: "It's one of horror. It seems to be an absolute freak and tragic accident. To have that in the middle of something that we look forward to every year, as a time of family fun and enjoyment, is something that has knocked the whole community sideways."

Organisers say some of the money raised at the event will go to Cornwall Air Ambulance, which ferried the tot to hospital. They added that the driver of the Landrover had checked behind him before slowly reversing and described what happened as "a tragic accident."

The Health and Safety Executive were told what had happened but did not attend.