A man has been arrested after a car hit a group of teenagers, killing a 16-year-old girl and injuring six others in Croydon, south London.
The red convertible Audi A3 is believed to have veered off the road and hit the group of teenagers while attempting to take a corner on Pixton Way, a residential road, at speed.
Police launched a search for the driver, who they believed may have had a head injury, after he fled the scene on foot.
A man in his 30s went to a south London police station on Sunday afternoon and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Neighbours told reporters cars often drove down Pixton Way at speed.
Scotland Yard did not believe the incident, which took place shortly before 1.30am on Sunday, was a deliberate attack.
The 16-year-old died at the scene and her next of kin were informed. Six other members of the group, which included boys and girls, were taken to two hospitals in south London. Three had serious injuries, a spokeswoman for the London ambulance service said.
An air ambulance rapid response team, six ambulance crews, police and four fire engines attended the scene, the emergency services told the Guardian.
A spokeswoman for the London ambulance service said: “We were called at 1.24am to Pixton Way, Croydon, to report a road traffic collision involving a car and pedestrians.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene including six ambulance crews, two incident response officers and a hazardous area response team, and we also dispatched London’s air ambulance advanced trauma team by car.
“Sadly despite extensive resuscitation efforts, one patient, a female, died at the scene. Six other patients were treated at the scene and taken to two hospitals. Three of them had minor injuries and the other three had more serious injuries.”
Police have asked anyone with information to call the serious collision investigation unit at Catford on 020 8285 1574 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
