A 'loving' mother who was killed after a train ploughed into her car at a level crossing has been pictured for the first time. 

Kerry Coombes, 33, died and an eight-year-old girl was left fighting for her life following the collision in Hoghton, Lancashire, at 8.50am on Thursday. 

The car is believed to have travelled at least 100 yards down the track when it was hit by the train, according to onlookers at the scene. 

The British Transport Police said they had launched a 'criminal investigation' into the cause of the crash in an update on Friday evening.   

Ms Coombes was pronounced dead at the scene, while the schoolgirl was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital where she remains in a critical condition. 

The social worker's devastated family paid tribute to her today, describing her as a 'loving daughter, sister, partner and devoted mum'.

They said: 'She had the biggest heart, always put other people before herself and brought so much love, laughter and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew her.

'The loss of Kerry has left a hole in our family that can never be filled. We are heartbroken and are trying to come to terms with what has happened.'

Ms Coombes was a 'highly respected and dedicated' social worker who 'cared deeply about the children she supported', Lancashire County Council said. 

Jacqui Old, executive director of Education and Children's Services, said: 'Kerry brought compassion, professionalism and a strong sense of commitment to her work, and made a real difference to people's lives.

'She was a valued member of the team and will be greatly missed by her colleagues and by all those who knew her.'

Fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene on Station Road on Friday morning. 

Michael Cryer, 64, was driving past at 9am and saw the huge emergency response.

He has lived in the quiet village for over 30 years and said that the barriers at the crossing don't cover the whole road, so it is possible to get onto the track easily.

He said: 'When the barrier comes down, it only covers your side of the road, so you could drive around it and get onto the track or zig-zag through.

'Obviously, that isn't recommended.' 

British Transport Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. 

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: 'This was a shocking and tragic incident, and our specialist officers will continue to support Kerry's family and friends throughout this ordeal.

'Following our initial enquiries a criminal investigation into the incident has now been launched, and I would ask the public not to speculate, as further updates will be provided in due course.

'We continue to urge witnesses or anyone with information who is yet to speak to officers to get in touch by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 152 of 25 June.'

'Information can also be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' 

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson added: 'We responded to an incident in the Hoghton area of Lancashire after reports of a collision between a train and a car at 8.50am today.

'Several clinical teams attended the scene, including our hazardous area response team and two air ambulances.

'Sadly, a child has sustained life threatening injuries and has been taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital for further treatment.

'No passengers travelling on the train required treatment from ambulance crews.'