Tragedy on the school run in Highgate
A 16-year-old pupil from Highgate School has died after being struck by a private-hire taxi on North Road in Highgate during the morning school run, the Metropolitan Police confirmed. The teenager, named by police as Melissa Premaratne, was taken to hospital after the collision shortly after 8am on Thursday but later died.
The vehicle involved was confirmed by private-hire group Addison Lee to be one of their cars. A 68-year-old man — the driver of the Addison Lee vehicle — was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and later released on bail while police continue their enquiries.
"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."
The family statement, released through the police, described the 16-year-old as a bright presence in their lives. The school also issued a statement expressing profound sadness at the loss of a Year 12 pupil on the way to school.
Police appeal for witnesses and footage
Detective Inspector Simon Ager, leading the investigation, urged anyone who saw the collision or has dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward. He said specialist officers are supporting the family and asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
As part of the ongoing investigation the police are working to establish exactly what happened. The force has underlined that their enquiries remain live and they are keen to trace anyone who may assist.
- Victim: Melissa Premaratne, aged 16, pupil at Highgate School
- Location: North Road, Highgate, north London
- Time: Shortly after 8am on Thursday
- Vehicle: Private-hire taxi belonging to Addison Lee
- Driver: 68-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving; later released on bail
Local reaction and wider implications
The death has sent shockwaves through the school and local community. Highgate School pupils and parents use North Road regularly for the morning commute and school runs; the incident follows wider public debate about road safety for pedestrians, particularly children, in London.
Addison Lee said it was supporting the police investigation and conveyed its sympathies to the family and all those affected. The company said that as standard the police are leading the response in incidents of this nature and it could not comment further while facts were being established.
Residents in the area told me they were shaken by the news. One local who asked not to be named said the morning traffic on North Road can be heavy and that parents drop children off at the school gates. "You always worry about kids crossing busy streets, but you don't expect this," they added. Another neighbour said emergency services were at the scene quickly, but that grief among families near the school was palpable.
What happens next
The Metropolitan Police have requested anyone with information or footage from the area around the time of the collision to contact them. The driver remains released on bail while enquiries continue. Specialist officers will continue to provide support to Melissa's family.
This case will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of private-hire driver standards and vehicle use on roads used by schoolchildren. Until the investigation is complete the precise circumstances remain unconfirmed, but the immediate priority for police and the community alike is to support the bereaved family and ensure other pupils and residents are given the help they need.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Melissa Premaratne, 16, Highgate School pupil |
| Location | North Road, Highgate, north London |
| Time | Shortly after 8am, Thursday |
| Driver | 68-year-old man; arrested and released on bail |
| Vehicle | Addison Lee private-hire car |
