Melissa Premaratne, 16, killed by taxi outside private school in Highgate

A Teenage girl killed after being hit by a taxi outside a private school has been pictured as her heartbroken family pay a moving tribute.

Melissa Premaratne, 16, died after the horror collision in Highgate, North London, yesterday morning.

Cops raced to the scene at around 8.13am following reports of a crash involving a pedestrian and a Addison Lee cab.

Emergency crews, including the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance, were all deployed.

But tragically, Melissa was pronounced dead.

Her devastated family said: “Melissa was a light in our lives and an amazing person.

“We will miss her deeply, every single day.

“Her kindness, warmth, and beautiful spirit will always remain in our hearts.”

A 68-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Simon Ager, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Melissa’s family following her tragic death.

“The loss of a young life in such circumstances is truly devastating, and we recognise the profound impact this will have on all those who knew and loved her.

“Specialist officers continue to support Melissa’s family, and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”

He added: “Our investigation remains ongoing and we are working to establish exactly what happened.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the area at around the time it occurred.”

Cops are urging anyone with information which could help the investigation to come forward.

Anyone who can assist is asked to call 101, quoting CAD1525/24Sept.