First picture of 'beautiful' teenager Victoria Carson knocked down and killed by a car in north London

Tributes were paid today to a “beautiful, generous” schoolgirl knocked down and killed by a car as she walked with her sister.

Victoria Carson, 13, died after the crash a few hundred yards from her family home in Barnet at around 9.30pm on June 29.

Her devastated parents Gary and Roxana Carson said: “Our family is devastated at the loss of our beautiful daughter, who gave so much joy and delight to our lives.

“Victoria was loved dearly by so many of her friends with whom she shared many interests, especially caring for cats and playing tennis.

“We will deeply miss her smile, her laugh and her energy, but our beautiful, generous daughter will forever remain in our hearts.”

Victoria was with her 15-year-old sister at the time, who was left shocked but physically uninjured, police said. The driver stopped at the scene in Longmore Avenue, a tree-lined road of semi-detached homes.

Michael Stimpson, her headteacher at St Michael’s Catholic grammar school, said: “Victoria was a vivacious and happy student – her loss has been the most tragic and heart-rending of events.

“Our school community is shaken by this incident and our hearts go out to Victoria’s family.”

He said the school will be opening to students later this week to enable them to lay flowers and sign a book of condolence in the school chapel.

It has also set up a Just Giving page on its website to reflect cat-loving Victoria’s two favourite charities. She had been growing her hair to raise money for a children’s charity.

He added: “Victoria was an altar-server in her Church and was well known in her parish – our prayers are with her and with her family, she is now with the angels.“

A makeshift shrine of flowers, balloons and cuddly toys have been left at the spot with family and friends leaving cards to tribute. Groups of school friends shed tears as they congregated at the scene to remember their friend.

One message said: “You were so full of joy... the funniest person I have ever met. You were extremely smart and supposed to live a long life. Everyone loves you.”

Another said: “Vicky, thank you for all your love and support in primary school. You are so special, sweet and kind and we will all remember your lovely character forever. I know it’s not fair but thank you for touching our lives with light and love.”

Neighbours have described how they rushed out if their homes when they heard the crash.

One said: “I was sitting watching TV when I heard an almighty crash and then screaming and wailing. I went out and saw two girls, one seemed to be very seriously injured, people were trying to help them.”

Another neighbour said: “This road is very very dangerous. We have a lot of accidents and near misses. It’s heartbreaking what happened. The poor girl was with her sister, they were probably just going to the shops.”

:: Gardene De Carvalho, 41, of Hatfield, appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on July 1 charged with causing death by dangerous driving. She was bailed to appear at the Old Bailey on 29 July.