THREE teenage boys have died after a car smashed into a bus stop in London.
A 28-year-old man who was inside the vehicle has been arrested and was taken to hospital for treatment.
It is believed the black Audi mounted the pavement just outside the entrance and travelled a few metres down the road before colliding with a lamp post.
Police were called to Shepiston Lane in Hayes at 8.41pm on Friday night following reports of the crash.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, the three boys were pronounced dead at the scene.
They were named locally as Harry Rice, Josh Kennedy and George Wilkinson and were believed to be around 16 years old.
Next of kin had been informed, the Met Police said.
Schools administrator Jake Webb, 18, said his view of the smashed Audi was blocked by a bus.
“The driver said there were dead bodies in the road,” he added.
Employees at a nearby Esso garage said some teenagers had been seen fighting at the forecourt entrance a few moments before the smash.
Staff at a local football club said they believed the youngsters had been on their way to a 16th birthday party.
Police confirmed the incident was not being treated as terror-related.
Detective Jane Shaw, of the Met Police, said: “These are horrific circumstances that have resulted in three young people losing their lives. I need anyone who saw what happened to contact police immediately.” Around 100 distraught family and friends arrived at the scene.
Crying youngsters and adults were seen hugging by the roadside and laid dozens of flowers with notes and pictures.
One said: “Josh, we love and miss you so much.”
Another added: “I thought I would never have to write this and I don’t know what to write but I will always love and miss you millions.”
The Met Police said that at least two men were reported to have left the car after the crash, with one being detained by members of the public.
It added: “This 28-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
“He was taken to a west London hospital for treatment and has now been taken to a north London police station for questioning.”
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