A 12-year-old boy has died and several others injured following a collision near a school, police have confirmed.
The BBC reports that the crash happened near Debden Park High School in Loughton, Essex, at about 3.30pm today (Monday 2 December).
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The 12-year-old was taken to hospital, where he sadly died.
Several others were injured in the incident - including two 15-year-old boys, one 13-year-old boy, one 16-year-old girl and a 53-year-old woman - who were either treated at the scene or taken to hospital.
Essex Police have now launched a murder investigation, saying this is likely to be a 'serious and prolonged investigation' that will require 'the public's assistance'.
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Detective Chief Inspector Rob Kirby of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "This has been a truly shocking incident and my deepest sympathies are with all those involved.
"I would like to thank the many members of the public who have called us with information and spoken to our officers, as well as those who provided crucial medical assistance at the scene.
"I would urge anyone with information, dash cam footage, or who may have seen anything on social media that they think could be crucial, to call us on 101 and quote incident number 726 of 2 December."
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Inspector Rob Brettal, from Essex Police's serious collision investigation unit, also said there had been 'a lot of speculation from social media which could cause further worry and upset to the community and family', urging people to instead wait for official updates issued by the force.
In a tweet, Brettal also said police were looking for a Silver Ford KA, which they believe may have damage to the front of the vehicle.
The area remains cordoned off.
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More to follow.
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