A three-year-old girl described as a “little angel” died after being hit by a bus.
Mayah Alleyah Shazad was hit in a busy high street in Luton.
Paramedics rushed to the scene but her injuries were so bad that there was nothing that could be done to save the girl.
Police said the incident, which took place at 3.45pm on Friday afternoon, was "extremely distressing" and happened at a "very busy time in a very busy area".
Tributes were paid to the "little angel" on social media.
Jackie Allen, whose 16-year-old nephew Conor McColl drowned in an old quarry less than a fortnight ago, wrote: "R.I.P lil lady. Tragedy can strike in a blink of an eye, got my 16 year old nephew's funeral Tues who drowned at Clophill. God calls in the best."
Matt Hatchet also wrote on Facebook: "The people of Luton of all faiths, culture and colour have come out today and showed love and support to someone they never met but feel thier (sic) pain and are with them in this hour of need."
In a statement, police said: "Obviously this tragedy, which took place at a very busy time in a busy area, was extremely distressing for many people who witnessed it or arrived at the scene shortly afterwards to assist.
"The girl's family are being supported by family liaison officers who are keeping them in touch with developments. Our condolences are with them at this time."
The force is appealing for any witnesses to contact Bedfordshire Police control room on 101 with any information.
