Essex hit-and-run: Loughton man arrested after boy, 12, dies in crash near school

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 12-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run crash outside a school in Essex.

Four teenagers thought to be pupils at Debden Park High School, in Loughton, and a 23-year-old woman were also injured when the car hit them on Monday.

Police launched a manhunt following the fatal collision, which unfolded at about 3.20pm – shortly after the end of the school day. Officers were looking to speak to a local man in connection to the incident.

Essex Police later confirmed it had arrested a man, 51, from Loughton, on suspicion of murder, six counts of attempted murder and one of causing death by dangerous driving. He also faces charges including causing serious injury by driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and driving without insurance, the force said.

Flowers near the scene of the fatal crash in Essex (NIGEL HOWARD)
NIGEL HOWARD ©

"There is no wider threat to the public at this time, but we continue to ask anyone with information to come forward and assist with our enquiries," the force said in statement following the arrest on Monday night.

Officers had begun a manhunt as they tried to trace a silver Ford Ka, with the registration LS08 OKW, which is believed to have been damaged in the crash in Willingale Road.

Head teacher Helen Gascoyne said the school had been "devastated" by the death of one of its students and that pupils would be offered counselling.

Armed police stand outside a house in Loughton, Essex (NIGEL HOWARD)
NIGEL HOWARD ©

Chief Superintendent Tracey Harman told reporters on Monday night: "We believe that the collision was deliberate and as such we have launched a murder investigation.

"We are investigating whether or not this incident may have been connected with another incident nearby."

Earlier, Ms Harman said searches had been carried out to try to locate a local man officers wanted to speak to in connection with the incident, as she appealed directly to him to come forward.

Armed police could be seen outside a home on the corner of Newmans Lane and Hatfields in Loughton.

Police stand guard at the scene, where a 12-year-old boy was struck by a car and later died in hospital
NIGEL HOWARD

East of England Ambulance Service sent 15 ambulances and 10 other vehicles, while three air ambulances were mobilised.

A 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital where he died.

Two 15-year-old boys, a 13-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and the 23-year-old woman were also hurt.

Essex Police said they were treated at the scene or in hospital, and their injuries were not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.

Chief Superintendent Tracey Harman delivers a statement to the media outside Loughton Police Station
PA

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Kirby said: "This has been a truly shocking incident and my deepest sympathies are with all those involved.

"I would like to thank the many members of the public who have called us with information and spoken to our officers, as well as those who provided crucial medical assistance at the scene.

Debden Park is a mixed academy school for pupils aged 11 to 18, which specialises in the performing arts and received a rating of "outstanding" in its most recent Ofsted inspection, according to its prospectus.

Police stand on the corner of Jessel Drive and Willingale Road, where the fatal crash took place
PA

A statement from the school's head teacher Ms Gascoyne read: "As a school and a community we are devastated to say that as a result of the incident in Willingale Road this afternoon, it is with great sadness that we must report that a 12-year-old student from our school has sadly died.

"Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected. As a school we continue to work with the police supporting the ongoing investigation.

"The school will be open tomorrow with a number of counsellors on hand to support our community."

A police cordon remained in place along Willingale Road on Monday night manned by uniformed officers.

The cordon began metres from the entrance to the school, near the junction of Jessel Drive, and an officer was going door to door in the streets nearby.

Police urged anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who may have seen anything on social media that they think could be crucial to call them on 101 and quote incident number 726 of 2 December.

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