A horrific crash at a Wimbledon school has left several children fighting for their lives while one eight-year-old girl has died.
On the last day of term at The Study Prep school, a vehicle collided with a group of partying children. The little girl, who has not yet been pubilcly named, tragically died at the scene.
Meanwhile, ten other people including other children at the school. were rushed to hospital where they remain in serious condition. The independent boarding school cares to more than 300 pupils aged as young as four, the Mirror reports.
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A woman in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody. Speaking at the scene on Thursday night, Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond said: "Very concerned to hear about the Study Preparatory School at Camp Road this morning.
"A major incident has been declared and I know all emergency services are on site. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at The Study."
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Dr John Martin, chief paramedic at London Ambulance Service, confirmed that a total of 16 people were treated at The Study Preparatory School in Camp Road - ten of whom were taken to hospital. Dr Martin said: "At 9.54 we received a 999 call to a collision on Camp Road in Wimbledon.
"We dispatched multiple resources including specialist critical care paramedics, London's air ambulance and 15 ambulances. We declared a major incident. We treated 16 patients on scene. Sadly, as we've heard, one eight-year-old girl died."
In a statement on its website, the school said: "We are profoundly shocked by the tragic accident this morning at Wilberforce House and devastated that it has claimed the life of one of our young pupils as well as injuring several others.
"Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and with the families of those injured at this terrible time. It is still far too soon to fully understand what happened, but we are well aware of the significant impact this dreadful event will have on our pupils and their families.
"Their welfare remains our top priority and we will be doing everything we can to support them, especially those who suffered injuries.
"Now that a police investigation is under way we will not be making any further public statement for the time being and would ask that the privacy of our school community is respected at this deeply upsetting time."
It is understood that the children were sat outside on the grass having a tea party when the vehicle collided through the fence. Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, local police commander for south west London, said: “This is tragic news and our thoughts are with the girl’s family and friends, and everyone affected today.
“We remain at the scene and are continuing our investigation into the full circumstances of the incident.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "The incident this morning at a primary school on Camp Road in Wimbledon is absolutely devastating. My heart goes out to everyone affected. Police are on the scene and have confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related. An investigation is underway to understand the full circumstances and I continue to stay in close contact with the Met and other emergency services.
“Please avoid the area to allow emergency services free access to help all those who need it. If you have any information about the incident please call police on 101."
