Emergency services were called to North Road, Highgate, at about 8.11am on Thursday after a 16-year-old girl was struck by a private hire vehicle. Despite the response from paramedics, the fire brigade, police and an air ambulance, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Arrest and investigation under way
The Metropolitan Police said a 68-year-old man who was driving the taxi was arrested at the location on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. Officers have informed the victim’s family and they are being supported by specialist officers while enquiries continue.
Police have maintained cordons in the surrounding area and asked anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dash‑cam or phone footage, to contact them via 101 quoting reference CAD1525/24Sept.
Operator and school respond
The vehicle involved has been confirmed as belonging to private hire operator Addison Lee. The company said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.
"A collision took place in Highgate this morning at approximately 8:30am involving one of our vehicles which has tragically resulted in the death of a 16‑year‑old girl... Our thoughts are with her family and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time," a spokesperson for the firm said.
Highgate School has also acknowledged the death, stating the pupil was in Year 12 and was travelling to the school at the time of the collision. The school said staff are providing support to students and families.
Local impact and safety concerns
The incident has raised immediate concerns among parents and residents about road safety near schools. North Road is used by many pupils making their morning journey, either on foot or by taxi. The presence of an air ambulance and a significant emergency response drew attention from neighbours and commuters, and the police cordon disrupted normal traffic in the area during the morning peak.
Road collisions involving children travelling to school are rare but always prompt scrutiny of street design, vehicle speed and the regulation of private hire operations in residential neighbourhoods. Local leaders and the school are expected to review safety measures in the coming days.
What the police are asking the public
- If you saw the collision, contact the Met Police on 101 and give the reference CAD1525/24Sept.
- Anyone with dash‑cam footage or mobile video that could assist should preserve the material and make contact with officers.
- Residents concerned about road safety can raise issues with Camden Council and Highgate School, which have been asked to work with police on any follow‑up safety measures.
At this stage, the police inquiry will seek to establish the precise circumstances of the collision, including the speed and movement of the vehicle and the exact location of the impact. Forensic collision investigators typically carry out detailed examinations of vehicle damage, road markings and witness statements.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 08:11 | Emergency services called to North Road |
| Morning | Teenager pronounced dead at scene |
| At scene | 68‑year‑old driver arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving |
This is a developing story. The Met Police have not released further details about the circumstances of the collision or the identities of those involved. The family of the pupil are being supported by trained officers, and both the school and the operator have said they are assisting the police inquiry.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 and quote CAD1525/24Sept. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers.
