A SCHOOL lollipop lady knocked down in the line of duty died in hospital late on Monday night.

Margaret Steindorff, from Sale, had been involved in collision with a van as she guided pupils from St Hugh's Primary School across Park Road in Timperley earlier that day.

Paramedics were called to the scene and rushed her to Wythenshawe Hospital with serious head injuries - later transferring her to the neurosurgical ward at Manchester Royal Infirmary. But the 56-year-old mother of two died just before midnight.

The 46-year-old male driver of the van was treated for severe shock at the scene.

Parents at the school expressed horror at the accident and told SAM of their concerns for the safety of children crossing the often congested Park Road.

One mother told SAM: "It was a terrible thing to happen - you are taking your life into your own hands on this road sometimes. It will be hard for the children to come to terms with news like this".

Another described the panic when the accident occured at around 8.35am on Monday morning: "It was so quick - lots of people were standing around and then the next thing I knew she was on the ground and was obviously badly hurt. I still can't believe it."

Staff and pupils at St Hugh's were still coming to terms with events this week.

The morning after the accident, lollipop man Derek Jackson was drafted in to work outside the school.

He paid tribute to Margaret as 'a very dedicated person who had done the job for a long time and was particularly good at it'.

Trafford Council's chief executive Allan Lewis said in a statement: "We are shocked by this tragic accident and our deepest sympathies go to her family at this very sad time.

"Margaret's loss will also be felt by the community which she has served for 12 years. School crossing patrol officers do such a vital job in ensuring our children are safe on the roads on their journey to and from school."

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