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Council Leader Chris Whitbread has expressed his shock and sympathy to the victims of the incident at Debden Park High School.
Councillor Chris Whitbread was speaking at the police cordon in Willingale Road as students made their way into school following the previous day’s tragic events.
Saddened and shocked
Councillor Whitbread said: “I feel I speak for all residents when I say how saddened and shocked we are to hear of this tragic incident at Debden Park High School. Our sympathies are with the students involved, their families, fellow pupils and staff at the school.”
No wider threat to the public
In a statement Chief Superintendent Tracey Harman said: “A man has been arrested following a fatal collision in Loughton on Monday 2 December. The 51-year-old, from Loughton, was arrested on suspicion of murder, 6 offences of attempted murder, 1 offence of causing death by dangerous driving, 6 offences of causing serious injury by driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and driving without insurance.”
“There is no wider threat to the public at this time, but we continue to ask anyone with information to come forward and assist with our enquiries.”
The arrest follows a collision on Willingale Road shortly before 3.20pm, in which a 12-year-old boy sadly died and 6 other people were injured. The 6 others injured were 2 15-year-old boys, a 13-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, a 12-year-old boy and a 23-year-old woman.
Support in this time of need
Councillor Whitbread said: “Nothing can prepare you for something like this. I want to thank the police and medical services for the amazing job they have done. They are so professional but they are human too and feel the pain with the rest of us. The impact is also felt within the wider community.”
“Most of the time we live in a very safe place but as a parent of grown children I feel today for every parent who is wishing their sons and daughters fond goodbyes as they set off for another day at school. Schools sit right at the heart of our community and Debden Park is one of the best. We must do all we can to support them in this time of need.”
“I have no doubt we will learn more about these tragic events over the next few months, but for now, this is a time of coming together, being kind to each other and taking care of one another.”
The council has added a small floral tribute to others placed by local people and children at the edge of the police cordon.
Do you have information?
Essex Police says there is no wider threat to the public at this time, but they continue to ask anyone with information to come forward and assist with their enquiries. They continue to urge media and members of the public not to speculate about this incident or anyone who may have been involved.
They thank everyone who shared their social media appeal, and all those who continue to send in valuable information.
If you have information about this incident please call 101 and quote incident 726 of Monday 2 December. You can also call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.