Highgate road traffic victim named as police issue appeal for witnesses

Highgate School pupil Melissa Premaratne was hit and killed in North Road as she made her way to the school on Thursday

North Road where the collision took place and (inset) victim Melissa Premaratne

A 16-year-old girl who died following a collision in Highgate has been named.

An investigation was launched after police were called at 8.13am on Thursday (24th) following a collision involving a pedestrian and a car in North Road.

Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance.

The pedestrian was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. She has since been named as Melissa Premaratne, aged 16, who was a pupil at Highgate School. Her next-of-kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.

A 68-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

In tribute to Melissa, 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.”

The investigation remains ongoing and officers are continuing to appeal to anyone with information to contact police.

Detective Inspector Simon Ager, who is leading the investigation 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.

“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. 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.”

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD1525/24Sept.

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