Police continue to question woman as tributes left to girl, 8, killed in Wimbledon school party crash
Twelve people required hospital treatment after a car crashed into a tea party in the grounds of the school. A woman aged in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody. The driver stopped at the scene after the crash, police said.
Friday 7 July 2023 14:57, UK
Police are continuing to question a woman about a car crash at a school in southwest London that killed an eight-year-old girl - after tributes were left at the scene to a "shining star".
A total of 16 people were treated for injuries and 12 were taken to hospital following the incident on Thursday at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon during a garden party to celebrate the end of the school year.
A woman aged in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody.
The driver of the Land Rover stopped at the scene after the crash, the Metropolitan Police said.
A police cordon was no longer in place on Friday at the scene, where flowers and tributes have been placed next to the school entrance.
One tribute left at the scene said: "To the Study and parents. So sorry for this tragic loss to the school and the family. Forever in our thoughts."
Another read: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on this tragic day."
A woman wearing a sling around her arm paused to look at the tributes and left flowers in a box and a card.
She left a note saying: "Dear Selena, you will always be our shining star. We will miss you so much."
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Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, was among those who laid flowers at the school.
He told reporters: "We feel closely associated with the community.
"What a tragic incident. We just offer our heartfelt sympathies to all affected."
The school said it was "profoundly shocked by the tragic accident" and "devastated that it has claimed the life of one of our young pupils as well as injuring several others".
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A statement on its website added: "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."
The independent school is for girls aged four to 11 and sits on Wimbledon Common, just a mile away from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club as it hosts the world-famous tennis tournament.
There's a stillness at the scene, except for the constant flow of traffic
The number of flowers, cards and messages are growing as passers-by come to pay their respects at the school gates.
The wooden fence next to the black railings have partially collapsed, giving those on the street a view of the garden and building where the tragedy unfolded.
Today - just over 24 hours since the death of the eight-year-old pupil, there's been a distinct lack of police presence at the scene. There's no forensics tent, no officers present to guard the scene or no cordon tape at the school.
Green tarpaulin covers the front of the building which the car crashed into. We've learnt Wilberforce House at the prep school teaches reception up to Year 3.
Four officers from the local neighbourhood group have just arrived to offer reassurance to the community and have entered the school car park which is distinctly full of cars belonging to the staff.
The blistering sun is shining down on passers-by, joggers and dog walkers - some with flowers and some stopping to pay silent tributes. Some children have brought cuddly toys with them too.
One thing stands out though - even in the quietness of this corner of southwest London.
This is a very busy junction - with dog walkers on the Common, the golf club and the Wimbledon and Putney Conservators club all off the road. There are 20mph signs along the country road but there is a constant flow of vehicle traffic.
It is understood the car hit the area of the school which is used by the younger girls, who are aged between four and eight.
Green netting has been put up to cover where the building was damaged in the crash, while a cracked concrete slab and wooden debris could be seen in the school garden on Friday.