Family pays tribute after schoolgirl, 16, killed in north London crash named

A schoolgirl who died in a fatal crash in north London has been named as her devastated family described her as the ‘light of our lives.’

Melissa Premaratne, 16, was hit by a car in Highgate on Tuesday. 

The schoolgirl was pronounced dead at the scene and a male driver was arrested on suspicion of careless driving. 

A police statement said: ‘An investigation has been launched after police were called at 08:13hrs on Thursday, 24 September following a collision involving a pedestrian and a car in North Road, Highgate.

‘Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance.

‘The pedestrian was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. She has since been named as 16-year-old Melissa Premaratne. Her next-of-kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.’

Melissa attended Highgate School, where grieving pupils have been offered support from senior teachers after the teenager’s death.

Her family wrote in a tribute: ‘Melissa was a light in our lives and an amazing person. We will miss her deeply, every single day. Her kindness, warmth, and beautiful spirit will always remain in our hearts.’

A spokesperson for Highgate School said the girl was on her way to school when she was killed.

They added: ‘This incredibly distressing news has come as a terrible shock to everyone at Highgate.  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.’

A 68-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Simon Ager, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Melissa’s family following her tragic death.

‘The loss of a young life in such circumstances is truly devastating, and we recognize the profound impact this will have on all those who knew and loved her.

‘Specialist officers continue to support Melissa’s family, and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.

‘Our investigation remains ongoing and we are working to establish exactly what happened. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the area at around the time it occurred.’

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD1525/24Sept.

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