SCHOOLGIRL DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY CAR NEAR HIGHGATE SCHOOL

A pupil at Highgate School in north London has died after being hit by a car on her way to class. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to North Road, Highgate, at around 08:15 BST following reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a car. She was pronounced dead at the scene, near the school's main site. The driver of the car remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. One report identified the vehicle involved as an Addison Lee taxi.

London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London Air Ambulance all attended the scene, the Metropolitan Police said. Officers put road closures in place around North Road and asked members of the public to avoid the area. Highgate School is a private school, and one report put its annual fees at around £31,000. The force has not named either the pupil or the driver. The collision took place during the morning, as she made her way into school.

The girl's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers, the Metropolitan Police said. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision. Road closures around North Road remained in place while officers carried out their inquiries at the scene. The force repeated its request for people to avoid the area while the investigation continues.