A murder investigation has been launched after a 12-year-old boy was killed in a hit and run outside a school.

Emergency services were called shortly after 3:20pm yesterday, (Monday, December 2) to Willingale Road, Loughton, following reports of several pedestrians struck by a silver Ford Ka.

Two 15-year-old boys, one 13-year-old boy, one 16-year-old girl and a 53-year-old woman were also confirmed to have been hit by the vehicle near Debden Park High School.

None are believed to have life-changing or life-threatening injuries and were either treated at the scene or taken to hospital.

Sadly a 12-year-old boy died shortly after being taken to hospital.

A 51-year-old man wanted in connection to the incident was arrested last night.

Essex Police officially launched a murder investigation.

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Essex Police issued an appeal to find 51-year-old Terry Glover from Loughton.

Armed officers were seen outside a property in Newmans Lane, Loughton following the incident.

Chief Superintendent Tracey Harmanmade issued a statement outside Loughton Police station at around 9.40pm.

She said: "At Essex Police, and on behalf of all those called to the school, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and with all those injured or affected by what happened this afternoon.

"This has been an incredibly difficult day for the local community, and we ask everyone to continue to show the kindness and bravery that we have seen today, and to respect the privacy of all those involved.

"We believe that the collision was deliberate and we have launched a murder investigation. We are investigating whether or not this incident may be connected to another incident nearby."

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Armed officers standing outside a property in Newmans Lane, Loughton.

A community gathers for "reflective" church service

Around 50 residents including schoolchildren attended a church service held at St John's Church in Church Lane following the incident.

Father Sam Stuart, who conducted the service, tweeted to say that support at the church will be provided to residents from 9am

He said: "A privilege to say Mass with some members of the community this evening, in the midst of this heartbreak.

"A reminder that we will be open at St. Johns tomorrow, and a team will be available to talk and pray with from 9am. Christ, bear our pain, and be with us in our loss."

Loughton town councillor Stephen Murray who attended the service described it as: "Very quiet, reflective and prayerful mass.

"Giving people and opportunity to reflect and prayer about today’s tragic events in our town."

He added: "Was teaching a large group of Year 7’s this afternoon in another secondary school in Loughton feeling desperately sad."

Helen Gascoyne, the head teacher at Debden Park High School, said the community is "devastated" by the death of one of its students.

A statement from Ms Gascoyne said: "As a school and a community we are devastated to say that as a result of the incident in Willingale Road this afternoon, it is with great sadness that we must report that a 12-year-old student from our school has sadly died.

"Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected. As a school we continue to work with the police supporting the ongoing investigation.

"The school will be open tomorrow with a number of counsellors on hand to support our community."

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The school children who were struck by the silver Ka are believed to all be students from Debden Park High School.

Police, politicians and Home Secretary pay tribute

Parliamentary candidates within and around the district made their personal tributes on Twitter.

Labour candidate for Epping Forest Vicky Ashworth te Velde, said: "My heart goes out to all the victims, children and families affected by today's horrific incident in Loughton. Anyone with information should contact

@EssexPoliceUK or call 999."

Brentwood & Ongar Consersative MP candidate Alex Burghart also offered his condolences.

He said: “This is such terrible news. My thoughts are with the families involved and with all those at the school and in the area.

"Please can anyone with any information immediately contact the police who I know are doing all they can to find whoever is responsible.”

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Epping Forest Labour MP candidate Vicky Ashworth te Telde's tribute.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has offered her support to the police and the school involved following the "utterly devastating" events.

Speaking to PA news agency after an election event in Essex, Ms Patel said: "I feel so sad and devastated for the parents of this child and also for his friends at school as well, and the teachers. The shock and trauma will just be unimaginable."

She added: "We just need to give the police the time and space to do what they need to do in terms of the investigation and their inquiries. It is utterly, utterly devastating.

"I've made it quite clear that if the school needs any support, or the police need any support I would like to know."

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Detective Chief Inspector Rob Kirby of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “This has been a truly shocking incident and my deepest sympathies are with all those involved.

“I would like to thank the many members of the public who have called us with information and spoken to our officers, as well as those who provided crucial medical assistance at the scene.

“I would urge anyone with information, dash cam footage, or who may have seen anything on social media that they think could be crucial, to call us on 101 and quote incident number 726 of 2 December.”

"This shouldn't have happened"

Vincenzo Palagi, who lives on Willingale Road, said that speeding has gradually increased along the road close to neighbouring school Davenant Foundation School.

He said: "There’s a lot of kids in the area. I know how people drive down the road here this late at night. Anything can happen, it is so dangerous. Unbelievable.

"My daughter will be attending Debden Park High School next year. I’ve got three kids and they are all young."

Following two traffic incidents close his home, Mr Palagi said that he had contacted a town council twice requesting to increase speed reducing incidents.

Anyone with information is asked to call 999 and quote the incident number 726 of Monday December 2 or call 01268 798198. Alternatively, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.