A church in Wimbledon has opened its doors to support the community following the fatal incident involving a Landrover at Study Preparatory School.
On Wednesday, an eight-year-old was killed and several children and adults were injured at an end-of-year picnic event.
Christ Church Wimbledon opened to provide for anyone to find some quiet space, light a candle, pray or speak to someone from the Raynes Park Bereavement Service.
Speaking to Premier, Rev Lotwine Farodoye said she felt “absolutely devastated” when she heard the news.
“We opened our doors as soon as we heard about this tragedy, and we've been praying for the community, and praying for those affected by these tragic events. Praying really for the people who are still suffering in hospital, praying for the bereaved child's family, praying for all of the NHS staff and medics, and police services and for the community because it's devastated everyone.
“People have come in from the community, we've had a steady trickle of people just coming to light a candle, coming to find some peace and quiet to reflect. Some people don't want to talk about it, some people just want a space just to be, and just to process because this event is still so fresh and so people's feelings are still unravelling, still pent up.”
A 46-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on bail.
Bishop of Kingston, Rt Revd Dr Martin Gainsborough said: “We are deeply grateful to the emergency services, healthcare staff and chaplaincy team who responded to this situation and who continue to care for those injured. We urge people to hold all of those affected – and all seeking to support them - in their prayers.”
