Headteacher pays tribute to dead pupil (From News Shopper)

Headteacher pays tribute to dead pupil

1:04pm Wednesday 9th January 2008

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A HEADTEACHER has paid tribute to an 11-year-old boy who died after being struck by a bus this morning (January 9).

The child was on his way to Wilmington Grammar School for Boys when the accident happened in Princes Road, Dartford, at 7.26am.

Emergency services were called but he died at the scene.

Fiona Cottam, the head of the school, in Common Lane, Wilmington, says pupils and staff are devastated by the incident.

She said: "The staff and students are devastated by the tragic accident which took the life of one of our pupils earlier today.

"As a Year 7 student he had already made an impact on the school community and had settled in well, making many friends and showing great academic promise.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time."

Kent Police's Serious Collision Unit is investigating.

Senior investigating officer Sergeant Guy Ditcher says the boy was walking across the bus lane with a family member when the accident happened.

He said: "We know the bus had gone through a green light and the bus hit the boy and he was killed instantly.

"It was dark at the time and the boy was wearing dark clothing.

"We are going to try and track down as many witnesses as possible to get an account of what they saw."

Sgt Ditcher added: "The female bus driver was taking to Darent Valley Hospital suffering from shock and forensics officers have already been at the scene taking photographs and gathering evidence."

Princes Road was closed for four hours but is now re-opened.

Were you at the scene? Did you know the boy? Call the newsroom on 01689 885702.

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