Tributes to 'bright and popular' Bedford Modern schoolgirl and her 'strong and vibrant' mum killed in collision on the A421 in Bedfordshire

Tributes have been paid to a mother and daughter who died in a collision on the A421 in Bedfordshire earlier this week.

Shortly before 8am on Monday (November 1) a van, car and HGV lorry were involved in a collision travelling westbound between the Black Cat roundabout and the A428.

Emma van der Avoird, 55, and her daughter Khiana van der Avoird, 16, were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, the family said: “Our family is overcome with sadness and grief at Emma and Khiana’s death in such tragic circumstances.

“They were both vibrant, strong and forthright people. Emma was on her way to take Khiana to Bedford Modern School, where she was a bright and popular student.

“Emma and Khiana were as close as any mother and daughter could be. Emma was a devoted mother who had poured her heart and soul into caring for Khiana since the sudden death of their husband and father Ed 10 years ago.

“Khiana was at the start of her life and was a beautiful and talented girl.

“We are devastated that they have been wrenched from us when both of them still had so much living to do.

“We will all miss Emma and Khiana dearly but take some comfort in the fact they have been reunited as a family.”

The mum and daughter lived in Little Paxton in Cambridgeshire.

A man in his 20s from St Neots who was arrested in connection with the incident has since been released on bail, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is ask to contact police on 101 or via www.bedfordshire.police.uk/report quoting Operation Mabel.

Police would be particularly keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage which could help them with their enquiries.