SHOCKED friends and colleagues of a young woman killed in a freak sledging accident were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy today.

Popular primary school teacher Maryam Najafian, 25, was injured in a busy Glasgow park on Sunday afternoon.

She was rushed to hospital but later died.

Maryam, who taught at Lanark Primary in South Lanarkshire, was described as a "shining light" at the school.

The 25-year-old, from East Kilbride, was understood to be due to marry fiancee Andrew Duncan later this year.

Andrew was devastated as he came to terms with his loss.

Stunned colleagues told how Maryam's tragic death had rocked the close-knit school community.

Head teacher Margaret Scott said: "Maryam was a shining light in Lanark Primary.

"We are devastated with her loss and will miss her deeply in our school and in our lives.

"She was known and loved by all here as she involved herself so much in the whole life of the school.

"More than anything, Maryam was a dedicated teacher who did everything she could for the benefit of the children in her care.

"Each and every child she met was special to her and she has left them with everlasting memories of her wonderful teaching.

"Maryam was a young woman whose energy and love of life radiated from her."

Maryam was a talented netball player and took the school's netball team, as well as leading its Road Safety Committee.

Ms Scott added: "During her few short years of teaching Maryam became firm friends with many of her colleagues.

"She was a highly respected teacher here in Lanark and in her previous post at David Livingstone Memorial Primary, Blantyre."

Maryam was injured in Kelvingrove Park on Sunday afternoon.

The tragedy happened at around 3.30pm , when the park was busy with families enjoying the winter fun.

Park-goers previously told the Evening Times of their horror at witnessing the tragedy.

In a statement, EIS teaching union bosses said: "We are saddened by the sudden passing of Lanark Primary teacher Maryam Najafian.

"Our condolences to family, friends, pupils and colleagues."

The ambulance service confirmed Maryam was taken to the Western Infirmary and later transferred to the Southern General Hospital.

A report will also be sent to the procurator fiscal.