COPS HUNT ‘HIT & RUN MURDERER’
Schoolboy, 12, dies and 5 injured
A MURDER probe is under way after a boy of 12 died when a car ploughed into a group of pedestrians near a school in a suspected hit-and-run.
The tragic lad was among a number of people – mostly pupils – hit at 3.20pm and shocked witnesses said the motor “mounted the pavement”.
Police are hunting the driver and trying to locate a silver Ford KA that will have “damage to the front” and failed to stop at the scene.
Last night Essex Police Chief Superintendent Tracey Harman said they want to speak to 51-year-old Terry Glover over what is thought to have been a “deliberate” crash. Five people – two boys of 15, a boy of 13, a girl of 16 and a 53-year-old woman – were either treated at the scene or taken to hospital.
All of the teens were believed to be pupils at Debden Park High School in Loughton, Essex.
One dad, who said his daughter was hit by the car, said: “A Ford KA mounted the pavement behind her. Her friend was bounced on to 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 and her friend was thrown off the bonnet. It was awful to witness. Everyone is in shock.” DCI Rob Kirby, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, 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 as well as those who provided crucial media assistance at the scene.”
Debden Park headteacher Helen Gascoyne said: “Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected. We continue to work with the police.
“The school will remain open with a number of counsellors on hand.”