Girl killed in crash as she walked to school named

A 16-year-old girl who was killed in a crash as she made her way to Highgate School in north London has been named as Melissa Premaratne.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to North Road, Highgate, at about 08:15 BST on Thursday, following reports of a crash involving a pedestrian and car.

Melissa, a Year 12 pupil, was pronounced dead at the scene, near the private school's main site. The driver of the car, a 68-year-old man, remained at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

Her family described Melissa as "a light in our lives and an amazing person".

They added: "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 Melissa had been on her way to school when she was killed.

They added: "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."

Private hire group Addison Lee said the vehicle involved belonged to the company and "as the facts are still being established, we are unable to comment further at this stage".

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