A Second girl has died after car crash into school in Wimbledon

Two girls have died after a car crashed into a school in Wimbledon.

Eight-year-old Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, also eight, were killed in the crash on Thursday.

Nuria’s family have released the following statement:

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Nuria on Sunday, 9 July 2023. Nuria was the light of our lives. She embodied joy, kindness and generosity and she was loved by all around her.

“We would like to thank the efforts of the emergency services, all the extraordinary staff at St George’s Hospital, the parents of Nuria’s class fellows and staff of the Study Prep for all they have done to ease Nuria’s journey.

“We request that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

A woman in her 40s remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The driver of the vehicle, a 46-year-old woman, has been bailed until late July, having been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The crash happened at The Study Preparatory School, which was hosting an end-of-term tea party at the time.

Thirty-five police vehicles and 15 ambulances were sent to the scene, and officers teamed up with paramedics to give first aid to a number of people who were injured.

The school is now closed until September.

Merton Council said it is offering counselling to the families affected, as well as pupils and staff at the school.

Tributes have been paid to both girls, who were described as “intelligent and cheeky” and “the light of our lives”.

Officers have asked the public to avoid speculation while an investigation is carried out, but have said they are not treating the crash as terror-related.

The private girls’ school is just a mile away from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which has been hosting the world-famous Wimbledon tennis tournament.