Family's tribute to 'shining star' girl, 8, 'adored by everyone'- latest updates

'Wimbledon needs each other' as people are united grief

A local resident said "Wimbledon needs each other" following the terrible crash at a school that has cost the life of an eight-year-old girl.

Many flowers and tributes have been left by the gates of Study Preparatory school as the local community has come together.

Selena Lau was named by Metropolitan Police as the girl who had died with her family saying was "adored and loved by everyone".

Many tributes came from children who also wanted to leave a message.

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."

Another offered hope for those injured as she said: "Hopefully the children will survive this tragic accident."

Driver doing double the speed limit killed 2 boys as they played on their bikes

Community united in grief after girl dies in school crash

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".

Read the full story here.

'We are all so shocked'

Wimbledon resident, Iris Cortez, 57, told our reporter Eliza Brandreth: “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 to pay tribute and lay flowers together, but got confused as her granddaughter 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.”

Touching message left outside school

One message addressed to Selena and her family simply reads: "My friend."

A message left to Selena from a young friend (Eliza Brandreth)

'The community of Wimbledon beats and pulses as one'

Former pupils have left messages outside the school with flowers in memory of Selena Lau, who died in yesterday's crash.

One said: "To the little lady that had her life taken, I hope you have passed on well to your next chapter.”

And a parent of a former pupil wrote: “The community of Wimbledon beats and pulses as one. Let us help.

“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.”

Flowers blanketed the gates at the school this evening (Eliza Brandreth)

Emotional scenes at school

Tributes and flowers have arrived from other children, former pupils, and many Wimbledon residents today outside the gates at The Study prep school.

Fellow parents were seen embracing their friends for comfort as they bring their children to see the heartfelt gifts.

Many tributes came in from thoughtful children of a similar age to those affected in the crash.

One wrote: “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.”

Another offered hope for those injured as she penned: “Hopefully the children will survive this tragic accident."

'Shining star' girl, 8, who died in Wimbledon school crash 'was adored by all'

An eight-year-old girl who died after a Land Rover crashed into a primary school has been named as Selena Lau.

Police and ambulances were called to the scene at 9.45am on Thursday after the black and gold 4x4 ploughed into the school grounds as children and staff held a tea party.

The Metropolitan Police sadly confirmed that evening that an eight-year-old girl died at the scene and she has now been named.

A family statement said: "Selena was an intelligent and cheeky girl adored and loved by everyone. The family wishes their privacy to be respected at this sad time".

Read more here.

caption: Selena Lau

Emotional message from family friend

A touching tribute left at the school gates says to the girl that tragically died in the Wimbledon crash yesterday: "I will never forget you."

Wimbledon crash live

Driver of car bailed pending inquiries later this month

The driver of the car, a 46-year-old woman from Wimbledon, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

She was taken to hospital where her condition was assessed as not life-threatening.

The woman has now been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in late July.

Heartfelt messages at school this evening

Messages of sympathy and condolence have continued to pour in this evening to the young victims of the tragic Wimbledon school crash.

Many notes left along with flowers paid tribute to an eight-year-old girl who died at the scene, while other messages also offered their thoughts to the multiple children left injured.

(Eliza Brandreth)

Devastating tributes today to 'shining star' girl, 8, killed in Wimbledon school crash

Loved ones of a schoolgirl killed when a 4x4 ploughed into an end of term tea party have spoken of their devastation, saying: “You will always be our shining star.”

Police yesterday released a woman on bail after a £70,000 Land Rover careered off the road and slammed into kids playing on the grass outside the Study Preparatory school, Wimbledon.

An eight year-old girl was killed in the horror crash.

(PA)

Cops confirmed a second eight-year-old girl and a woman in her 40s were fighting for life in hospital after the horror crash.

A number of other people - including a seven-month-old girl - were taken to hospital and their conditions have been assessed as not life-threatening.

Read the full story here.

Touching note left by Wimbledon tennis chairman

Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis club, laid flowers at the scene today.

He told reporters: "We feel closely associated with the community.

"What a tragic incident - we just offer our heartfelt sympathies to all affected."

(Getty Images)

'Shining star' tribute to eight-year-old girl

Earlier today, a woman left a note at outside the school gates which read: "Dear Selena, you will always be our shining star. We will miss you so much."

Today's police update in full

"Detectives continue to investigate a collision at a school in Wimbledon.

"Police were called at 09:54hrs on Thursday, 6 July to reports that a car had crashed through a fence and collided with a building at The Study Prep School in Camp Road, SW19.

"A total of 35 police vehicles were deployed to the scene and officers worked with paramedics to give first aid to a number of people who had been injured.

"Sadly, despite the efforts of the emergency services, an eight-year-old girl died at the scene.

"Her parents are being supported by family liaison officers and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"A second eight-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she remains in a life-threatening condition. Her family have been informed and are also being supported.

"A woman, in her 40s, also remains in hospital in a critical condition.

"A number of other people – including a seven-month-old girl - were also taken to hospital and their conditions have been assessed as not life-threatening.

"We understand the school-age children were pupils at the school. The injured adults were parents/carers of the children; not staff members.

"The driver of the car, a 46-year-old woman from Wimbledon, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

"She was taken to hospital - her condition was assessed as not life-threatening. She has been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in late July.

"Detectives from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are leading the investigation and their enquiries are ongoing. They are expected to remain at the scene throughout the day.

"The investigation remains in its early stages and officers are keeping an open mind whilst following up all lines of enquiry. We ask that people do not speculate about the circumstances while this work is ongoing."

Detective pledges support for families

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, who was visibly emotional as she confirmed the death of an eight-year-old girl yesterday, has given an update on the police investigation this afternoon.

The local policing commander for south-west London said: "It is difficult to imagine the pain and upset the families of those involved are going through and we will do all we can to support them as our investigation continues.

"I know the impact of this tragic incident is also being felt in the wider community and we are working with our partners to ensure the appropriate support is in place.

"I understand many people will want answers about how this happened and there is a team of detectives working to establish the circumstances."

Police outside school to provide support

Neighbourhood police officers have been seen outside the school gates today as tributes continued to pour in for an eight-year-old girl killed in yesterday's crash.

A cordon was removed to allow people to place flowers at the scene.

Sweet tribute at school gates for eight-year-old girl

A cuddly toy and candles placed outside the Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon (PA)

Detectives 'keeping an open mind' amid speculation

Metropolitan Police have said they are keeping an 'open mind' despite speculation from members of the public about the circumstances of the crash.

They wrote in a statement: "The investigation remains in its early stages and officers are keeping an open mind whilst following up all lines of enquiry.

"We ask that people do not speculate about the circumstances while this work is ongoing."

Woman in her 40s is in 'critical condition'

Police have confirmed a woman in her 40s remains in a critical condition this afternoon after yesterday's crash.

It comes after it emerged that another eight-year-old girl was in a 'life threatening' condition in hospital today.

A number of children were among the 10 people hospitalised following the collision at The Study prep school in Wimbledon, with none of them critically injured.

An eight-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene on Thursday.

Mental health support for people affected

To anyone who has been affected by the tragic incident in Wimbledon today, there is mental health support available for those needing urgent help or just someone to talk to.

Further info https://t.co/GPl2lq4Whc

— Merton Council (@Merton_Council) July 6, 2023

Neighbouring golf club speak of their shock after minute's silence

Members of the Wimbledon Common Golf Club were seen holding a minute's silence outside the school gates this afternoon.

Speaking afterwards, Peter Thompson, chairman of the golf club, said: "We're close neighbours, we've got close links with The Study.

"When they were doing their refurbishments they used one of our offices. It's shocked the whole membership.

"It's just so sad to lose someone so young."

Members of Wimbledon Common Golf Club hold a minute's silence outside the gates of Study Preparatory School (PA)

Car taken for 'further examination'

Police have seized a vehicle from the scene of yesterday's crash at a Wimbledon school.

Aerial images on Thursday showed a black-and-gold Land Rover Defender against a wall inside the school grounds. It was later taken away on a flatbed lorry.

A Met Police statement said: "Officers have collected CCTV from nearby buildings and spoken with a number of witnesses.

"The car was removed from the scene last night and has been taken away for further examination."

Year Three pupils were celebrating with parents and teachers

Year Three pupils were enjoying an outdoor celebration with gathered parents and teachers when they were struck by a Land Rover in school grounds yesterday, it has emerged.

No teachers are understood to have been among the 16 injured.

Minute's silence outside school

Members of the Wimbledon Common Golf Club, situated opposite The Study Preparatory School, held a minute's silence outside the gates of the school on Friday afternoon.

The group, most of whom were wearing the club's red tops, briefly stood on the road to pay their respects and laid flowers for those caught up in the incident on Thursday.

More tributes left at prep school

Floral tributes have continued to appear outside The Study Prep School in Wimbledon today after yesterday's tragedy.

Tributes outside Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon today (PA)

Woman arrested after crash is bailed

A woman arrested on suspicion of causing the death by dangerous driving after yesterday's Wimbledon school crash has been bailed.

A Met Police statement said: "The driver of the car, a 46-year-old woman from Wimbledon, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

"She was taken to hospital - her condition was assessed as not life-threatening. She has been bailed pending further inquiries to a date in late July.

"Detectives from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are leading the investigation and their inquiries are ongoing. They are expected to remain at the scene throughout the day.

"The investigation remains in its early stages and officers are keeping an open mind whilst following up all lines of inquiry. We ask that people do not speculate about the circumstances while this work is ongoing."

Youngest victim was seven-month-old baby

A baby girl just seven months old was among the injured taken to hospital after yesterday's collision, police have confirmed.

The infant was one of a number of people treated non-life-threatening injuries.

A Metropolitan Police update said: "A number of other people – including a seven-month-old girl - were also taken to hospital and their conditions have been assessed as not life-threatening.

"We understand the school-age children were pupils at the school. The injured adults were parents/carers of the children; not staff members."

Second girl, eight, in 'life-threatening condition', says police

In the latest update on the tragedy the Met Police has confirmed an eight-year-old girl remains in a life-threatening condition.

As investigations continue the force confirmed the youngster was taken to hospital. Her family have been informed and are also being supported. As well as the youngster a woman in her 40s was injured. A seven -month-old baby injured is said to not have life theatening injuries.

A statement from the force said : "Detectives continue to investigate a collision at a school in Wimbledon.

"A second eight-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she remains in a life-threatening condition. Her family have been informed and are also being supported. A woman, in her 40s, also remains in hospital in a critical condition."

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, local policing commander for south-west London, added: "It is difficult to imagine the pain and upset the families of those involved are going through and we will do all we can to support them as our investigation continues.

"I know the impact of this tragic incident is also being felt in the wider community and we are working with our partners to ensure the appropriate support is in place.

"This was the largest local policing deployment in south-west London since 2017 and our officers, along with members of the other emergency services, were met with a challenging and traumatic scene.

Picnic was end of term tradition

Faiza Samad, who did not give her age, said it is an end-of-term tradition to have a picnic at the school.

Her daughter Rania, 12, finished at the primary school last year.

Ms Samad said: “When it happened yesterday all the mums were texting.

“My friend, her daughter was in Year Two.

“(Her daughter) was in the back of the building. We were all panicked and we were texting each other.”

Rania said: “I was feeling sad when I heard it because it was an eight-year-old girl and it was her last day.”

None of injured children are critical

None of the children hospitalised after yesterday's crash are in critical conditions, the school's chair of governors John Tucker has told the BBC.

Mr Tucker said the entire school community had been "profoundly affected" by the tragedy, adding that any school activities today (Friday) had been cancelled.

10 were taken to hospital following the incident at 9.45am, including three adults.

A friend of a parent told The Mirror earlier that those hurt in the crash "have all kinds of broken bones".