Eight-year-old killed in school crash named as Selena Lau

An eight-year-old girl killed when a car crashed into a primary school in Wimbledon on Thursday has been named as Selena Lau.

Shortly before 10am, a car crashed through a fence and collided with a building at The Study Prep School in Camp Road.

A second eight-year-old girl remains in a life-threatening condition and a number of other people – including a seven-month-old girl – were also taken to hospital. Their conditions have been assessed as not life-threatening.

It is understood the school-age children were pupils at the school. The injured adults were parents and carers of the children.

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

A statement released on behalf of Selena’s family 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.”

Police said the investigation remained in its early stages and officers were keeping an open mind while following up all lines of enquiry.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, 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.

“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.

“I would like to praise them for doing all they could to help those injured. I have no doubt this incident would have also had a significant impact on them, and we will ensure their welfare is looked after.

“I understand many people will want answers about how this happened and there is a team of detectives working to establish the circumstances. I would ask the community to avoid speculating on a possible cause whilst these enquiries are carried out.”

Officers have collected CCTV from nearby buildings and spoken to a number of witnesses.

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

Any witnesses, who have not yet spoken to police, are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 2200/06Jul.

Pictured top: Selena Lau (Picture: Charlie Stong)