It was a scene of horror in a place where children should be safe. So affecting were the tragic events behind the cordon in south-west London on Thursday that DCS Clair Kelland, the senior police officer tasked with updating journalists, was left fighting back tears as she confirmed that a child had died.
Teachers at the preparatory school, who joined hands as the emergency services personnel spoke, were too upset to speak themselves at any length.
“The school community is profoundly affected by this tragedy,” said John Tucker, the chair of the governors. He, the school’s headteacher and its headteacher-elect were unable to go much further than that. He was, perhaps, to be applauded for having the strength to say even that much – reporters had been briefed that the staff were too upset to speak at all.
Later, the school released a statement that said: “We are profoundly shocked by the tragic accident this morning at Wilberforce House and devastated that it has claimed the life of one of our young pupils, as well as injuring several others. Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and with the families of those injured at this terrible time.
“It is still far too soon to fully understand what happened, but we are well aware of the significant impact this dreadful event will have on our pupils and their families. Their welfare remains our top priority and we will be doing everything we can to support them, especially those who suffered injuries.”
In the early afternoon, a line of children could be seen being led away from the site, along with police officers and other adults. A witness said some parents had earlier collected their children, with some described as “distraught”.
