Police launch murder investigation after car mounts pavement killing schoolboy

Police have launched a murder investigation after it was reported that a car mounted a pavement outside a secondary school killing one child and injuring several others.

The incident occurred outside of a secondary school in Loughton.

Essex police stated that emergency services were called to Willingale Road, close to Debden Park High School in Loughton, at around 3.30pm on 2 December.

A 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital, where he died, while a number of other people – including three teenagers thought to be pupils at the school in Willingale Road – were injured.

Essex Police said none of the other people injured, which included two 15-year-old boys, a 13-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a 53-year-old woman, are believed to have life-changing or life-threatening injuries.

One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Metro his daughter was hit by the 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 [her]. It was awful to witness. Everyone is in shock."

Inspector Rob Brettell of the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit stated that they were looking to locate and find a Silver Ford KA which was "likely to have damage to the front of the car", adding that it is likely to be a prolonged and serious investigation and that they "urgently need the public’s assistance and help" with any dashcam footage, CCTV or information.

A tweet on Police Essex's official account read: "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."

They added that anyone with information should contact 101 quoting incident 0726.

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.