Tributes after car crashed into south west London school
Flowers have been left outside The Study Prep in Wimbledon where an 8 year old girl died.
Last updated 7th Jul 2023
Tributes have been left outside a primary school in south west London following the death of an 8 year old girl when a car crashed into the building on Thursday.
It happened as children were celebrating the end of term with a picnic.
Ten people out of the 16 injured were still being treated in hospital on Friday morning.
New Malden residents Sophia Graham, 27, and Tayla Landsberg, 22, who brought flowers to the police cordon 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."
A local teacher laid flowers at the scene with her eight-year-old son.
The woman, 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.
"I also wanted my son to see because we cycle."
In a statement published on its website, The Study Preparatory 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."
A woman in her 40's is being held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.