The grieving father of a 14-year-old schoolgirl that died after being hit by a lorry has said he never knew so many people cared about his young daughter.

Lavna Chuttoo was walking with friends to Coombe Girls’ School in New Malden on Tuesday morning when she was hit by a lorry while crossing Lime Grove at the junction with Coombe Road.

Surrey Comet:

A memorial to Lavna has been set up in her mother's home in Surbiton

Dad Chetananand Chuttoo, 40, from Acton, said: “Every morning I usually drive her to get the train, but this morning she said ‘no me and my friends are going to walk there together’.

“She hugged me, said ‘you’re my fantastic dad’, kissed me and then left.

“She was so full of life, loved by everybody and always trying to help others, the last person who saw her said the last thing she was doing was giggling and laughing as she was crossing.

Surrey Comet:

Flowers and messages from freinds and family have been left at the junction in Lime Grove

“I’m so delighted that that my daughter was so loved by so many people, I never knew that so many people cared about her.

“I’m so proud of everything she’s done.”

A floral tribute has been set up in Lime Grove, and so many flowers were left for the Year 10 student that many had to be moved to her school, where a memorial garden has been set up. 

Lavna was three years old when she moved from Mauritius with her mum and dad.

She joined Burlington Junior School, where she nurtured her talents as a violinist and passion for drawing.

She was also a grade A student who excelled in her studies, her father said.

Surrey Comet:

One of the tributes left to Lavna in Lime Grove

Mum Amushe Chuttoo, 35, who lives in Surbiton, said: “I’m devastated with the news, she will always be in my heart.

"She is my little princess. I can’t believe I’ve lost her.

“Everyone’s been very helpful, so supportive and so kind, but no matter how much support I get, my daughter will not come back.

“She was such a bubbly girl and was so very friendly.

"She was such a bright kid and was going to win an award today [Wednesday, November 18] at school.”

Surrey Comet:

The junction at Lime Grove and Coombe Road where Lavna was hit on Monday

After leaving school Lavna planned to become a doctor, and was due to join the Army cadets next year.

Mr Chuttoo added: “I was amazed when I saw what help she’d given to people in the lower years at school.

 “She was very opinionated, even when people put her down she wouldn’t have any regrets. She was a girl who would always plan ahead and was so ambitious.”

The driver of the truck involved in the crash stopped at the scene. He was not arrested.

Any witnesses should call the Metropolitan Police's serious collision unit on 020 8543 5157.

  • Did you know Lavna? Send your tributes to jonathan.mitchell@london.newsquest.co.uk or call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6315