Loughton school crash: Man held over collision which killed boy, 12

A man has been arrested over a hit-and-run crash outside a school in which a boy died, police have said.

The 51-year-old was detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after the car crash on Monday afternoon in Loughton, Essex.

Two boys, 15, a 13-year-old boy, a girl, 16, and a 53-year-old woman were also hurt in the crash.

Emergency services were called at about 15:20 GMT after the crash happened close to Debden Park High School.

Earlier, Essex Police took the step of naming Terry Glover, 51, as someone they wanted to speak to in connection with the crash.

A 51-year-old man was arrested in Loughton, the force said.

Officers are also looking for a silver Ford KA that was “likely to have damage to [its] front” and had failed to stop at the scene.

‘Counsellors on hand’

It is understood that all of the injured children are pupils at the school, on Willingale Road.

Debden Park’s head teacher Helen Gascoyne, said she was “devastated” to confirm the boy who died was a student at the school.

“Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected… The school will be open [on Tuesday] with a number of counsellors on hand to support our community,” she said.

Det Ch Insp Rob Kirby, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, called the crash “truly shocking” and appealed for dash-cam footage.

“I would like to thank the many members of the public who have called us with information and spoken to our officers, as well as those who provided crucial medical assistance at the scene,” he added.

Willingale Road cannot be accessed from junctions on either side of the school and the area remains cordoned off.

Father Sam Stuart said St John’s Church in Loughton would be open on Tuesday “for prayer, lighting candles and if anyone needs to talk”.

About The Author