Essex hit-and-run: Boy killed by car outside school named as Harley Watson

The boy "deliberately" hit by a car and killed outside his school in Essex has been named as Harley Watson.

A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the 12-year-old was killed in what police are calling a "deliberate" hit-and-run crash into a group of pupils outside Debden Park High School on Monday afternoon.

Essex Police said the man, from Loughton, has also been arrested on six counts of attempted murder and one of causing death by dangerous driving.

He also faces charges including causing serious injury by driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and driving without insurance.

The arrest came after police earlier said they were searching for Terry Glover, from Loughton, over the incident that happened shortly after the end of the school day, at around 3.20pm.

Armed police officers have been stationed near Glover's home, where neighbours said he lived alone.

Flowers have been left at the school this morning, naming the young victim as Harley.

The headteacher of the school, which is open today with trained counsellors available to support pupils, has said they are "devastated".

Christian Cavanagh said: "On behalf of the school and the trust, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family of this young man.

"A young life, so tragically lost. This young man has made his mark on the school and was liked and loved by staff and students.

"We will consult with the staff and his family on how best to commemorate his life."

Two 15-year-old boys, a 13-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boys, thought to be pupils at the school, and a 23-year-old woman were also injured when the car ploughed into them.

Essex Police said they were treated at the scene or in hospital, and their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Chief Superintendent Tracey Harman said: "We believe that the collision was deliberate and as such we have launched a murder investigation.

"We are investigating whether or not this incident may have been connected with another incident nearby."

Anyone with any information should call 101 and quote incident number 726 of 2 December or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.