TRIBUTES are being paid to a two-year-old girl killed following a tragic car crash which left her brother fighting for his life at a Southampton hospital.

Three children and two adults were travelling in a blue MG car along the B3078 Cranborne Road, about one mile from the Horton Inn, when the accident happened on Sunday evening.

Police say the car left the road, collided with a wall and overturned.

Floral tributes and a cuddly toy were left at the scene yesterday afternoon.

One simply read: "Scarlet my darling. I may not have been your dad but I treated you as my own, I loved you and cared for you with all my heart." It was signed, Matty.

Another read: "You only had two years on this Earth. We hope you enjoyed it all. Scarlet, we will always love you no matter where you are. Love Nanny Nikki & Sid."

Dozens of people posted message of support and sympathy for the family on the Echo's Facebook page and those of Scarlett's family.

Investigating officers - who described the accident as a tragedy - confirmed the two-year-old, from the Wimborne area, died as a result of her injuries. The nine-year-old boy, from the Wimborne area, suffered life-threatening injuries and has since been transferred to Southampton General Hospital.

Meanwhile, the 11-year-old boy, from Corfe Mullen, was taken to Poole Hospital after suffering bruising.

The driver, a 28-year-old man from Wimborne, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is assisting police with their enquiries.

Shocked witnesses told the Daily Echo yesterday how they first knew something was wrong after hearing a loud crash while they were watching television on Sunday evening.

"My husband came out and saw the car was on its roof," said one witness who asked not to be named.

"It (the car) had hit our wall and I immediately called the ambulance and the police. My husband and a cyclist were helping the people involved. The two adults were just walking around in complete shock.

"I came back indoors and got some blankets to keep the children warm, after that I didn't get involved too much."

The driver and a 28-year-old female passenger were treated for minor injuries and shock. Police, who describe the accident as a single vehicle collision, are eager to speak to any witnesses.

Neighbour Barry Hibberd said: "This is a dangerous road. A few years back there was a motorcyclist killed along here. My previous neighbour had a pick-up truck go through the hedge and end up in her garden."

Officers closed the B3078 between the Witchampton and Horton Inn junctions so accident investigators could examine the scene in detail.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police's Traffic Unit, said: "This was a tragic accident and specially-trained family liaison officers are supporting the family at this difficult time.

"I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this collision, or the manner of the MG prior to the incident, to please call me on 101.

Share article "All calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

Emergency services were called to the scene at 9.20pm.