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‘A light in our lives’: Family remember named 16-year-old as police investigate fatal private hire collision
A 16-year-old girl who died following a road collision in Highgate has been named by police as Melissa Premaratne, as detectives continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Police were called at 08:13 on Thursday 24 September following a collision involving a pedestrian and a private hire vehicle in North Road, Highgate.
Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance. Melissa was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her next of kin are continuing to receive support from specialist officers.
Paying tribute to Melissa, her family said: “Melissa was a light in our lives and an amazing person. We will miss her deeply, every single day. Her kindness, warmth, and beautiful spirit will always remain in our hearts.”
A 68-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. Police said he has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
The investigation remains ongoing, with officers seeking witnesses and footage that could help establish what happened in the period around the collision.
Detective Inspector Simon Ager, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Melissa’s family following her tragic death.
“The loss of a young life in such circumstances is truly devastating, and we recognise the profound impact this will have on all those who knew and loved her.
“Specialist officers continue to support Melissa’s family, and we would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our investigation remains ongoing and we are working to establish exactly what happened. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the area at around the time it occurred.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD1525/24Sept.
