Girl killed on way to London school named as Melissa Premaratne

A 16-year-old pupil has died after being hit by a car while walking to Highgate School in north London on Thursday morning. She has been named as Melissa Premaratne, a Year 12 student at the private school.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to North Road in Highgate at around 08:15 BST following reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a car. Melissa was pronounced dead at the scene, close to the school's main site.

The car's driver, a 68-year-old man, stayed at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

Tributes from family and school

Melissa's family described her as "a light in our lives and an amazing person," saying they would miss her deeply every day and that her kindness, warmth and spirit would always remain in their hearts.

A spokesperson for Highgate School called the loss of such a young life, full of promise and hope, deeply heartbreaking, and offered condolences to her family, friends and everyone affected. The school said it would continue supporting her family, pupils, staff and the wider community as they mourn.

Private hire firm Addison Lee confirmed the vehicle involved belonged to the company but said it could not comment further while the facts were still being established.