Terry Glover, a 51-year-old man has been arrested by the police on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after a 12-year-old school boy identified as Harley Watson was killed, and another five students were injured outside Debden Park High School in Loughton on Monday afternoon in a “deliberate” hit-and-run collision.
The 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital where he died while two 15-year-old boys, a 13-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a 53-year-old woman also sustained injuries.
In a statement released by Essex Police Chief Superintendent Tracey Harman shortly after incident, Mr Glover was urged to turn himself in.
She said: “We have responded to reports of a serious collision on Willingale Road shortly after 3.20pm today.
“A number of casualties were reported near to Debden Park High School and sadly a local boy of 12 years old died after being taken to hospital.
“At Essex Police and on behalf of all of those called to the school our thoughts are with those, his family and friends and all those affected by what happened this afternoon.
“This has been an incredibly difficult day for the community and we ask everybody to continue to show their kindness and bravery that we have seen today.
“We believe that the collision was deliberate and as such we have launched a murder investigation, we are investigating whether or not this incident may or not be connected to an incident nearby.”
“I would like to make a direct plea to Mr Glover if he is watching or listening to this please contact us we need to talk to you. ”
A man whose daughter escaped injury after being clipped by the car’s wing mirror told Essex Live that the incident was awful to witness and left everyone in shock.
“A Ford KA mounted the pavement behind her. Her friend was bounced onto the bonnet before another boy was hit very bad.
“The car drove off down the road and the police arrived quickly. My daughter is safe, but the wing mirror clipped my daughter. Her friend got thrown off the bonnet.
“It was awful to witness. Everyone is in shock.’
The Essex Police who confirmed the arrest of the suspect from Loughton, said he will be charged on six counts of attempted murder and one of causing death by dangerous driving. He will also be facing charges including causing serious injury by driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and driving without insurance.
In one tribute posted on social media, Harley was remembered as a “caring” young boy.
The message read: “Today my little mate Harley sadly was involved in a devastated accident which has killed him.
“I know Harley did not deserve any of this because he was a caring boy and would never hurt anyone so everyone please make all your family members that drive a car, to please be careful on the roads.”
It added: “Our hearts as praying with Harley’s family.”
