Essex school horror: Multiple children hit by car outside school - Murder inquiry launched
A 12-YEAR-OLD boy has been killed in a “deliberate” hit-and-run crash after a car ploughed into a group of children outside a school in Loughton, Essex.
Loughton: Emergency services cordon off scene of incident
Four teenagers through to be pupils at Debden Park High School and a 23-year-old woman were also injured when the car collided with them. Essex Police said a 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, six counts of attempted murder and one of causing death by dangerous driving. He also faces charges including causing serious injury by driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and driving without insurance.
Officers had launched an immediate manhunt to trace a silver Ford KA car which is believed to have been damaged in the crash on Willingdale Road.
Police were called to the scene shortly after the end of the school day, at around 3.20pm on Monday.
Fifteen ambulances sent by East of England Ambulance Service 10 other vehicles and three air ambulances rushed too the scene.
The 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital but later died.
Two 15-year-old boys, a 13-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and the 23-year-old woman were also hurt.
Essex Police said they were treated at the scene or a nearby hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
A police cordon remained in place along Willingdale Road on Monday evening, manned by uniformed officers.
The cordon began just outside the entrance to the school, near the junction off Jesel Drive.
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Chief Superintendent Tracey Harman told reporters on Monday night: "We believe that the collision was deliberate and as such we have launched a murder investigation.
"We are investigating whether or not this incident may have been connected with another incident nearby."
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Kirby said: "This has been a truly shocking incident and my deepest sympathies are with all those involved.
"I would like to thank the many members of the public who have called us with information and spoken to our officers, as well as those who provided crucial medical assistance at the scene.
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We have launched a murder investigation following a fatal collision in #Loughton earlier today, Monday 2 December.
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) December 2, 2019
A 12-year-old boy has sadly died.
Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101 and quote incident number 726 of Monday 2 December. https://t.co/3rbpyRaidr
"I would urge anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who may have seen anything on social media that they think could be crucial to call us on 101 and quote incident number 726 of 2 December."
Debden Park High School headteacher Helen Gascoyne said the school has been “devastated” by the death of one if its students, adding the pupils will be offered counselling today.
She said in a statement: "As a school and a community we are devastated to say that as a result of the incident in Willingale Road this afternoon, it is with great sadness that we must report that a 12-year-old student from our school has sadly died.
"Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected. As a school we continue to work with the police supporting the ongoing investigation.
We remain at the scene of this collision in #Loughton and the picture is fast moving. We would urge people not to speculate on the circumstances or people involved. We must make sure our updates are accurate.
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) December 2, 2019
In the meantime any witnesses please follow the request below. https://t.co/jSmj0Pywja
"The school will be open tomorrow with a number of counsellors on hand to support our community."
A father, who did not want to be named, told Essex Live about his daughter being hit by the Ford car.
He said: “A Ford Ka mounted the pavement behind her. Her friend was bounced onto the bonnet before another boy was hit very bad.
“The car drove off down the road and the police arrived quickly. My daughter is safe, but the wing mirror clipped my daughter. Her friend got thrown off the bonnet.
We are currently at the scene of a serious collision on Willingale Road, #Loughton.
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) December 2, 2019
The road cannot be accessed from junctions on either side of Debden Park High School.
Closure runs between Rookwood Ave and Audley Gardens.
Please avoid the area where possible. pic.twitter.com/ZRPPlJGtH4
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“It was awful to witness. Everyone is in shock.”
Loughton Town Councillor and former town Mayor, Stephen Murray said: "This is very disturbing news to hear. Let's hope and pray for the very best outcomes when the picture clarifies."
Social media users flocked online to share their devastation at the news.
This is likely to be a prolonged and serious investigation we urgently need the public’s assistance and help any dashcam, CCTV or information contact @EssexPoliceUK on #101 #999 in an emergency or @CrimestoppersUK https://t.co/qcJGyWn9ml
— Insp Rob Brettell (@InspBrettell) December 2, 2019
One said: “The horror that has befallen Debden Park tonight. My prayers and love go out to all of them, for the grief will ripple out into the community and beyond.”
Another said: “Terrible news from Debden Park High School as Boy, 12, dead and several hurt in crash.”
A third person added: “Oh good lord. How desperately sad.”