A 16-year-old schoolgirl who died after being hit by a car in Highgate has been pictured for the first time since the fatal collision on Thursday morning.
Melissa Premaratne, a Year 12 pupil at Highgate School, was struck by a car on North Road at 8.13am on Thursday, 24 September. Officers from the Metropolitan Police, the London Ambulance Service, the London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance all rushed to the scene, but Melissa was pronounced dead there despite the efforts of emergency crews.
A photograph of Melissa has now been released by the Metropolitan Police as detectives continue to investigate the crash.
It follows the news that a 16-year-old girl had died after a collision near Highgate School.
Tributes: ‘a light in our lives’
Paying tribute to the teenager, her family said in a statement: “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.”
Police investigation continues
Detective Inspector Simon Ager, who is leading the investigation into the teenager’s death, 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 recognise the profound impact this will have on all those who knew and loved her.”
He added: “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.”
Witness appeal
“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,” DI Ager said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD1525/24Sept. Enquiries remain ongoing.
