Harley Watson died and five others were injured after being hit by a car outside school

This article is more than 9 months old

This article is more than 9 months old

The 12-year-old boy killed in a suspected hit-and-run outside his high school on Monday afternoon has been named locally as Harley Watson.

Harley died in hospital after being hit by a car outside Debden Park high school, in Essex, where he was a student. Four other teenagers and a woman in her 20s sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

A 51-year-old man, from nearby Loughton, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and six offences of attempted murder, leading to speculation that the teenagers were deliberately targeted.

He was also arrested on suspicion of one offence of causing death by dangerous driving, six offences of causing serious injury by driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, and driving without insurance.

Tributes poured in, with more than 40 bouquets and handwritten cards addressed to Harley, the “funniest” boy, adorning the school wall.

“Forever in our heart. Fly high,” read one. “You will be missed, it won’t be the same without you,” another said.

At the scene, 12-year-old Eli Claarson and his mother, Simone, came to lay flowers and pay their respects.

“I went to primary school with Harley,” Eli said. “We haven’t seen each other since year 6 but we still chatted online. It’s so sad to know he’s gone. He was so caring and would never have done anything to anyone.”

Simone added: “As a parent, it really makes me concerned about the kids. I worry for them getting home after school.”

In a statement, Christian Cavanagh, the executive headteacher of Debden Park high, said Watson “had made his mark on the school” and was “liked and loved by staff and students”.

Helen Gascoyne, the head of the school, said the whole school community were devastated.

Many people wept as they arrived to lay tributes at the school throughout the morning.

Sandra Lyfield, 68, who lives close to the school, said: “It’s shocking when something like that happens around here. Even if you don’t know the people, it’s just horrible. It chokes you up. I walk my dog down there, and today it’s so sombre, with people crying.”

“Everyone’s just really sad”, said 34-year-old James English, a local resident. “The kids normally play and ride their bikes down here, doing wheelies on the street. Now everyone’s just really sad.”

“It could be anybody’s child, it’s just horrific”, another resident, who did not wish to give her name, said.

There was still an extensive cordon in place at the scene of the crash on Tuesday morning, with much of Willingale Road closed to the public and a heavy police presence nearby.

The school itself remained open, and was offering counselling to those affected by the event, while police photographers and investigation teams worked to gather evidence on the street outside. Officers said they were unsure how long the area would remain closed, but hoped the cordon would be lifted later on Tuesday.