A girl died and 17 others were injured, including nine in a critical condition, London’s Evening Standard newspaper reported, when a car crashed into a primary school in Wimbledon, south-west London, earlier today, the Metropolitan Police said. .

The incident took place on Thursday morning at Camp Road, where the private girls’ school Study Prep is located. which is attended by girls aged 4 to 11 years.

“We can now confirm that sadly a child has died following an incident where a car crashed into a school in Wimbledon.” the police said.

Clair Kelland, the local police commander for South West London, said: “This is tragic news and our thoughts are with the girl’s family and friends, and everyone involved in today’s incident. We remain at the scene and continue our investigation into the full circumstances of the incident. We can also confirm that the driver of the vehicle, a woman in her 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.”

Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond told the BBC that many of the injured are hospitalized in critical condition.

An earlier statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “At this time nine injuries were reported, including two adults and seven children. We await further updates on their conditions. The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made.”

Aerial television footage from the scene shows the vehicle, a Land Rover, passed over the grass in the school grounds, where children were likely having an end-of-year picnic at the time.

The police made it clear early on that does not treat the incident as terrorist, with reports talking about a “medical incident” that caused the driver to lose control.

At the same time, the London Fire Service speaks of an “incredibly sad” incident, in which the intervention of its forces was needed to remove railings and to provide first aid alongside ambulance crews.