A 16-year-old girl has died after she was hit by a taxi while crossing the road on her way to school in north London.
Officers from Met Police were called to North Road at around 08.15am today following reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a car.
The teenager, who was a Year 12 pupil at the top-performing Highgate School, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for the school said the news had come as a “terrible shock” to everyone at Highgate School.
“The loss of such a young life, so full of promise and hope, is deeply heartbreaking, and we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those affected by this awful news,” they said.
“She will be greatly missed, and we will continue to support her family, our pupils and staff, and the wider community, as we mourn her loss.”
The driver, a 68-year-old man, remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
The girl’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the Met said.
The London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London Air Ambulance also attended the incident.
Road closures remain in place, with police urging people to avoid the area while enquiries continue.
Private hire group Addison Lee said in a statement that the vehicle involved in the incident belonged to the company.
“A collision took place in Highgate this morning at approximately 8:30am involving one of our vehicles which has tragically resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl,” a spokesperson for the company said.
“Our thoughts are with her family and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time.
“As is standard for an incident of this nature, the response is being led by the police, and we are supporting them fully with their investigation.
“As the facts are still being established, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
A spokesperson from Highgate School said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that one of our Y12 pupils died today on the way to school in a road traffic incident,” the spokesperson for the private school said.
“This incredibly distressing news has come as a terrible shock to everyone at Highgate.
“Emergency services attended the scene and the police are currently investigating the situation.
“The family are being supported by specialist police officers and are receiving all the appropriate support.
“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be shared at this time.
“We thank you for your understanding and compassion.”
A London Ambulance Service Spokesperson said: “We were called at 8:11am today (24 September) to reports of a road traffic collision on North Road, Highgate, N6.
“We sent an ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response cars, an incident response officer, a motorcycle responder and an advanced paramedic. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.
“We treated a teenager, but very sadly, despite our best efforts, she died at the scene.”
