Eastbourne: Prime Minister Vows To Help Family Of Car Accident Victim

14 January 2015, 13:41 | Updated: 14 January 2015, 13:49

David Cameron has vowed to intervene after family members of a girl killed in a car accident in Eastbourne were denied visas to attended her funeral.

David Cameron has vowed to intervene after family members of a girl killed in a car accident in Eastbourne were denied visas to attended her funeral.

Andrea Gada, aged five, died on December 17 after she was struck by a car in the town.

Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd told the Prime Minister that Andrea's grandparents and aunt had been denied access to the UK from Zimbabwe, adding that the Home Office claimed they might abscond.

Liberal Democrat Mr Lloyd added that he would act as a guarantor that the relatives will return to Zimbabwe after the funeral, as he pressed Mr Cameron to intervene.

The Prime Minister said he will look at the case, adding that the Home Office will be made to have a "careful look" to see what can be done.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Lloyd told Mr Cameron: "A few weeks ago a tragic event occurred in my constituency where a five-year-old girl, Andrea Gada, was killed in a traffic accident.

"Since then, Eastbourne and her school, Shinewater Primary, have rallied round to support the family, her parents.

"They have raised money to try and bring the grandparents and the aunt over from Zimbabwe to Eastbourne to join them at the funeral.

"The Home Office has refused and said the relatives may abscond.

"The parents have given me an undertaking this will not happen. I have even gone one step further and said I would act as a guarantor that the relatives will return to Zimbabwe.

"The Home Office decision is cruel and unkind. Prime Minister, will you intervene?"

Mr Cameron replied: "It's absolutely horrific when children are killed in accidents like this and we all, in our own constituencies, know of individual cases and it's heartbreaking when it happens.

"I will certainly look at the case. I was just discussing it with (Home Secretary Theresa May) and make sure the Home Office has a careful look to see what can be done."

In a statement outside Parliament, Mr Lloyd's office said more than £5,000 has been raised to pay for funeral costs and transport for Andrea's grandparents and aunt.

They noted a Facebook page and online fundraising site has seen more than 250 people offer cash help.

The funeral has been postponed to appeal against the Home Office's decision, Mr Lloyd's office added.