A 12-year-old boy who died when a car mounted a pavement in a ‘deliberate’ hit and run outside a school is pictured for the first time today.
The pupil, named locally as Harley Watson, was killed and five others were injured when a vehicle ploughed into students near Debden Park High School in Loughton yesterday afternoon.
Hundreds of children were walking out of the school gates when the car hurtled towards them at 3.20pm. The crash flung girls and boys into the air, while others managed to leap out of the way.
Four teenagers, also thought to be pupils at the school in Essex and a 23-year-old woman were injured in the collision. The 12-year-old was taken to hospital where he later died.
One of the youngsters hurt in the crash told the BBC he heard a car ‘revving’ behind him before it sped on to the pavement. The boy said he believed the incident was deliberate.
Police also revealed checks were being made to see if there is a connection to a similar incident, reported to be at Roding Valley High School, also in Loughton, earlier in the day.
A man from Loughton has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is also being held on six counts of attempted murder and one of causing death by dangerous driving. The arrest came after police earlier said they were searching for Loughton man Terry Glover over the incident.
The pupil, named locally as Harley Watson (left), was killed when a car mounted the pavement near Debden Park High School in Loughton yesterday afternoon. Essex Police said in a statement a 51-year-old Loughton man has been arrested on six counts of attempted murder and one of causing death by dangerous driving. The arrest came after police said they were searching for Terry Glover, 51, (right) over the incident
Tributes have been paid to victim Harley Watson today on social media
The victim in the incident has been named locally as Harley Watson, who is 12-years-old
Police at the scene near Debden Park High School in Loughton, Essex this morning
Tributes have been paid on social media to the youngster, who was remembered as ‘caring’ and ‘would never hurt anyone.’
The message read: ‘Today my little mate Harley sadly was involved in a devastated accident which has killed him.
‘I know Harley did not deserve any of this because he was a caring boy and would never hurt anyone so everyone please make all your family members that drive a car, to please be careful on the roads.’
He added: ‘Our hearts as praying with Harley’s family.’
Another said: ‘He never deserved this and was one of the nicest kids I knew. ‘[He] was one of the happiest and nicest kids I knew … and can’t think what his family and friends are going through.
‘This world is so cruel you don’t know when bad things are going to happen. ‘Always loved and was always the one to put a smile on everyone’s face. I don’t know what I’m gonna do without u little man but fly high Harley RIP.’
Devastated pupils lay floral tributes near to the scene today
Floral tributes have been left outside Debden Park High School in Loughton after the death of the pupil, named locally as Harley Watson
One tribute left today read: ‘Our deepest condolences for the loss of such a young boy, May he rest in peace’
Police were called to the incident near Debden High School, on Willingale Road, yesterday afternoon (pictured)
And a third said: ‘Fly high Harley. It’s such a shame that it had to be you, you always put a smile on my face and school won’t be the same without you man.
‘Rest in perfect paradise.’
One father, whose daughter was hit by the car, told Essex Live: ‘A Ford KA mounted the pavement behind her. Her friend was bounced onto the bonnet before another boy was hit very bad.
‘The car drove off down the road and the police arrived quickly.
‘My daughter is safe, but the wing mirror clipped my daughter. Her friend got thrown off the bonnet. It was awful to witness. Everyone is in shock.’
A map showing the location of the shocking incident in Loughton yesterday evening. Police also revealed checks are being made to see if there is a connection to a similar incident, reported to be at Roding Valley High School, earlier in the day
Officers began 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.
Later there were reports of a small car engulfed in flames on the M11 near Loughton about an hour after the incident. It is not known if it was linked to the events outside the school.
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 today.
Debden Park school executive head Christian Cavanagh said today: ‘On behalf of the School and the Trust we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young man.
‘A young life so tragically lost. This young man had made his mark on the school and was liked and loved by staff and students. We will consult with the family and our school community to decide how best to commemorate his life.’
Chief Superintendent Tracey Harman told reporters last 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 Glover, as she appealed directly to him to come forward.
Police were called to the scene shortly after the end of the school day, at around 3.20pm on Monday.
East of England Ambulance Service sent 15 ambulances and 10 other vehicles, while three air ambulances were mobilised.
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.
Emergency services are on the scene in Willingale Road, in Loughton this evening
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.
‘I would urge anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who may have seen anything on social media that they think could be crucial to call us on 101 and quote incident number 726 of 2 December.’
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.
Forensic Officers in Willingdale Road near Debden Park High School, in Loughton, Essex, after a murder investigation was launched
A statement from Ms Gascoyne said: ‘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.
Police officers carry out a raid on a house in Loughton, believed to belong to Terry Glover
Emergency services at the scene yesterday evening after the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy
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.
Armed police could be seen outside a home on the corner of Newmans Lane and Hatfields in Loughton, where neighbours said Glover lived alone.
No lights were on in the property but two armed officers were stationed outside while a marked squad car was parked in the road.
The arrested man also faces charges including causing serious injury by driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and driving without insurance.
The scene near Debden Park High School, in Loughton, Essex, after a murder investigation was launched after a 12-year-old boy was killed when a car crashed into children
