07 July 2023 , 21:35
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Touching tributes have appeared outside a school tonight after the victim of the tragic Wimbledon crash was named.
Eight-year-old Selena Lau was killed in a devastating crash at Study Preparatory school on Thursday when a Land Rover Defender ploughed through an end-of-term tea party.
A second eight-year-old girl and a woman in her 40s are both fighting for their lives on Friday.
Tributes and flowers could be seen left by heartbroken children, former pupils, and members of the community today at the gates of The Study prep school, as one local said - "Wimbledon needs each other".
Eight-year-old Selena Lau was killed in a devastating crash at The Study prep school (PA)
One local woman brought her three-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter Aria to pay tribute (Iris Cortez)One touching tribute left to Selena at the school gates said simply: "I will never forget you."
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Wimbledon resident, Iris Cortez, 57, said: “We are all just so shocked. I cannot believe it.
“Wimbledon is such a safe area so it is such a shock. I’ve lived nearby for 29 years and have never experienced something like this here. So unexpected. So sad.”
Iris brought her three-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter Aria to pay tribute and lay flowers together but got confused as she dug in the ground.
However to Iris’ delight, she instead wanted to plant the peach-coloured flowers as a permanent tribute.
Iris added: “We need each other. Wimbledon needs each other.”
Parents also were seen embracing their friends for comfort as they brought their kids to see the heartfelt gifts.
One parent of a former pupil wrote in a note: “The community of Wimbledon beats and pulses as one. Let us help.
One touching tribute addressed Selena as their 'friend' (Eliza Brandreth)“We pray that the many happy memories formed at the wonderful school and in your family lives, can wrap their arms around you and, in time, bring you comfort.”
Many tributes came in from thoughtful children of a similar age to those affected in the crash.
One child penned: “Dear all staff that work here, I hope you are all ok. I am so so sorry. Thank you for all that you’re doing to help.”
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Another offered hope for those injured as she said: “Hopefully the children will survive this tragic accident."