Two men who killed a nine-year-old girl after racing their cars in the street will be sentenced next month.

Aleena Kausar, from Rawtenstall, Lancashire, died after being hit by a speeding Audi A5 driven by Adil Manir, 19, which mounted the pavement on September 18 last year.

Manir had been racing with a Volkswagen Golf driven by his friend Mohsen Saddique, 22, before the collision in Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.

Aleena, who was walking to a local mosque with her mother, suffered serious injuries at the scene and was airlifted to Royal Blackburn Hospital where she later died.

A jury at Burnley Crown Court found Saddique, of Wheatholme Street, Rawtenstall, guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, said Lancashire Police.

Manir, of Beech Street, Rossendale, pleaded guilty an earlier hearing to the same offence.

Both men will be sentenced on December 19.

The vehicles were seen on CCTV footage and were estimated to have reached speeds of up to 64 mph, added police.

Detective Inspector Mark Haworth-Oates said: "This was a tragic incident which has had a devastating impact on Aleena's family and the wider community.

"I'm sure that when Saddique and Manir set out on that journey they had no intention of hurting anyone, but their actions show a complete disregard for the safety of other road users and pedestrians. The irresponsible and dangerous way in which they raced their vehicles, in a built-up area, at a busy time of day, has led to the worst possible outcome, the death of a young girl who was simply walking along the pavement with her mother.

"This case highlights the fatal consequences that dangerous driving can have and shows just how much damage and heartbreak it can cause. This collision will have a lasting impact on all those involved and my thoughts very much remain with Aleena's family at this time."

In a statement issued after her death, her family said: "Aleena was a sweet caring child who touched the lives of everyone she met. Our home feels empty and our hearts broken but we thank God for blessing us by lending us his angel for nine years."