Wimbledon school crash: 'Shining star' eight-year-old girl who died is named

July 06, 2023

An eight-year-old girl who died after a Land Rover crashed into a primary school in southwest London has been named.

A total of 16 people were treated at the scene and 12 were taken to hospital following the incident at The Study Preparatory School on Camp Road in Wimbledon on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Police have named the victim as Selena Lau.

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."

A tribute at the scene on Friday said: "Dear Selena, you will always be our shining star. We will miss you so much."

The note included a picture of a star and had kisses on it.

An eight-year-old girl and a woman in her 40s remain in hospital in critical conditions. A seven-month-old girl was among those taken to hospital.

A woman, 46, has been released on bail after she was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving at the scene.

Read more:
Girl and woman critically hurt - as driver released on bail

Sky News understands a prize-giving event may have been taking place at the time of the crash, with images showing a table apparently covered with a picnic blanket laid out in the school yard.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, of the Metropolitan Police, teared up and her voice broke during a news conference as she described the crash on Thursday afternoon.

Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond said after the death was confirmed: "What a sad incident - it is tragically, on the last day of term, for this young girl to have lost her life."

The independent school is for girls aged four to 11 and sits on Wimbledon Common, just a mile away from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club that hosts the world-famous tennis tournament.

It is understood the car hit the area of the school which housed the younger girls, aged between four and eight.

In a statement, the school said on Thursday: "We are profoundly shocked by the tragic accident this morning at Wilberforce House and devastated that it has claimed the life of one of our young pupils as well as injuring several others.

Read more:
Police question woman, 46, after crash
Parents 'absolutely shell-shocked' over crash at school

"Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and with the families of those injured at this terrible time.

"It is still far too soon to fully understand what happened, but we are well aware of the significant impact this dreadful event will have on our pupils and their families.

"Their welfare remains our top priority, and we will be doing everything we can to support them, especially those who suffered injuries.

"Now that a police investigation is under way, we will not be making any further public statement for the time being and would ask that the privacy of our school community is respected at this deeply upsetting time."

Scores of tributes were left at the scene on Thursday.

One read: "To The Study and parents. So sorry for this tragic loss to the school and the family. Forever in our thoughts."

Another said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on this tragic day."

Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, was among those who laid flowers at the school on Friday.

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

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

DCS Kelland said officers were doing "all we can" to support families.

"It is difficult to imagine the pain and upset the families of those involved are going through," she said.

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