Police have launched a murder investigation after a car collided with a number of children outside Debden Park school on Willingale Road, at around 3.30pm this afternoon. A place cordon remains in place. The child is yet to be named. 

The road has been closed off in both directions.

Drivers remain unable to access the school from either side of the road.

Shocking pictures show several police vehicles and ambulances on the scene.

A father, who did not want to be named, told Essex Live about his daughter being hit by the Ford car.

He said: “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.

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“It was awful to witness. Everyone is in shock.”

Essex Police tweeted about the incident and said: “We have launched a murder investigation following a fatal collision in Loughton earlier today, Monday 2 December.

“A 12-year-old boy has sadly died.”

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In another tweet they said: “The road cannot be accessed from junctions on either side of Debden Park High School.

“Closure runs between Rookwood Ave and Audley Gardens.

“Please avoid the area where possible.”

As well as the one fatality, five other children are thought to be injured.

The police have no yet confirmed the condition of those hit.

Loughton Town Councillor and former town Mayor, Stephen Murray said: “This is very disturbing news to hear. Let’s hope and pray for the very best outcomes when the picture clarifies.”

Commuters are being advised to avoid the area.

Essex police inspector Rob Brettell said: “This is likely to be a prolonged and serious investigation we urgently need the public’s assistance and help any dashcam, CCTV or information contact @EssexPoliceUK on #101 #999 in an emergency or @CrimestoppersUK.”

Essex and Herts Air Ambulance said it treated “a number of patients” at the scene.

Social media users flocked online to share their devastation at the news.

One said: “The horror that has befallen Debden Park tonight. My prayers and love go out to all of them, for the grief will ripple out into the community and beyond.”

Another said: “Terrible news from Debden Park High School as Boy, 12, dead and several hurt in crash.”

Another added: “Oh good lord. How desperately sad.”

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