Highgate School has paid tribute to a 16-year-old pupil who died after being struck by a taxi in North London on Thursday morning. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 68-year-old man, the driver of the Addison Lee vehicle, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
Emergency services were called to North Road in Highgate at approximately 8:11am on September 24. Police officers, paramedics, the London Fire Brigade, and an air ambulance attended the scene. The teenage girl was treated at the scene but was later pronounced dead.
School confirms student was travelling to school
Highgate School, a private institution, confirmed that the victim was a Year 12 student who was on her way to school when the incident occurred. A spokesperson for the school expressed deep sadness: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that one of our Y12 pupils died today on the way to school in a road traffic incident.”
The spokesperson added: “This incredibly distressing news has come as a terrible shock to everyone at Highgate. Emergency services attended the scene and the police are currently investigating the situation.”
Family supported by specialist officers
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the girl's next-of-kin has been informed and is being supported by officers. The school spokesperson said: “The family are being supported by specialist police officers and are receiving all the appropriate support. Out of respect for the family's privacy, no further details will be shared at this time.”
In a further tribute, the spokesperson stated: “The loss of such a young life, so full of promise and hope, is deeply heartbreaking, and we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those affected by this awful news. She will be greatly missed, and we will continue to support her family, our pupils and staff, and the wider community, as we mourn her loss.”
Addison Lee confirms vehicle involved
Private hire firm Addison Lee confirmed that the vehicle involved in the collision was one of theirs. A spokesman said: “A collision took place in Highgate this morning at approximately 8:30am involving one of our vehicles which has tragically resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl. Our thoughts are with her family and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time. As is standard for an incident of this nature, the response is being led by the police, and we are supporting them fully with their investigation. As the facts are still being established, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
Road closures remain in place in the area, and police have asked people to avoid the vicinity. The Metropolitan Police are appealing for anyone with information that may assist their investigation to call 101 quoting CAD1525/24Sept.
