The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
All in shock after girl hit by truck
A HEADTEACHER has told of her devastation after a young pupil was hit by a truck on her way home from school.
The seven-year-old girl remains in hospital following the incident, which happened outside Knop Law Primary School, in Chapel House, Newcastle, on Monday afternoon.
Police say she suffered “potentially life-threatening injuries” in the collision, which involved a heavy goods vehicle.
The school’s headteacher, Liz Simpson, has confirmed the injured youngster is a pupil from her school.
Ms Simpson said: “It is with deep sadness that I have to confirm one of our children was involved in a road traffic incident outside of our school yesterday afternoon.
“She is currently in hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries and our hearts go out to her and her family at this terrible time. The whole of the school community is in shock at this sad news.”
The collision happened at around 3pm, near the junction between Chadderton Drive and Hillhead Parkway, just 10 minutes after the youngest year groups at the school finish for the day.
Northumbria Police has launched an investigation and officers are asking witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage, to get in touch.
Meanwhile parents have told how there was a solemn atmosphere around the school gates when they dropped their children off yesterday morning.
One mum, who asked not to be named, said: “The drop-off this morning was horrendous, it was eerily quiet and no-one even spoke to each other, they all had tight grips on their kids, it’s so, so sad. My son sometimes thinks it’s not cool to hold his mam’s hand, but by God he held my hand all the way home yesterday.”
Ms Simpson has urged parents not to speculate about the collision while it is being investigated.
She added: “I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism of emergency services who attended, and would request that people do not speculate about what happened while police carry out their investigation.
“The school is fully cooperating with the police and we continue to support staff, children and their families.”
A spokesman from Newcastle City Council said it is working closely with the school and giving support.
■ Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Northumbria Police via the force’s website or by emailing 2729@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.