An eight-year-old girl who died in a horrific crash at a Wimbledon school has been named.
Tributes left at the scene of the incident name the girl as Selena, whose surname has not yet been shared, MyLondon reports. One touching note described her as a 'shining star'.
It read: “Dear Selena, you will always be our shining star. We will miss you so much.” Another tribute left at the scene said: “To the Study and parents.
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"So sorry for this tragic loss to the school and the family. Forever in our thoughts."
The girl was killed after a Land Rover Defender collided with a group of children on the last day of term at The Study Prep school. She tragically died at the scene just before 10am yesterday (July 6).
12 other people including other children at the school were rushed to hospital where they remain in serious condition. The Metropolitan Police said a woman in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
Officers are not treating the incident as terror-related. A police cordon was no longer in place this morning (Friday, July 7) while flowers and tributes had been placed along the entrance to the school. It is understood that the children were sat outside on the grass having a tea party when the vehicle collided through the fence.
Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis club, laid flowers at the scene. He told reporters: “We feel closely associated with the community.
"What a tragic incident – we just offer our heartfelt sympathies to all affected.”
A local teacher, who did not want to be named, told the PA news agency: “A friend of mine has friends who have children who go to the school.
“She said they have all kinds of broken bones including a broken pelvis. I’m a teacher and I’m a mother and it could have happened to us. It could have happened to anybody.”
Sophia Graham, 27, and Tayla Landsberg, 22, from New Malden, brought flowers to the police cordon on Thursday evening.
Ms Graham said: “When we found out one of the kids had died it was awful. When the police made their announcement it was so sad to see even them get emotional. It’s made a big impact on everyone.
“Kids walk in the Common freely without thinking about it.”
Ms Landsberg said: “It’s usually very peaceful, very bubbly with lots of fun activities going on.”
The school said in a statement that it was 'profoundly shocked' by what happened. 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.”
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