A Canterbury school is mourning the death of one of its pupils after the child was fatally struck by a car on Wednesday.

A police spokesperson said officers were called to a crash involving a car and a pedestrian on Leeston Road in Springston at about 3.30pm.

Police confirmed the pedestrian was a child who, despite the best efforts of emergency services, died at the scene.

Springston School board chair said in a statement to chrislynchmedia.com the child was a pupil at the school.

“We have had a tragic passing of a student from our school. We are unable to provide any further details at this point as the police investigation is continuing.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the child, as well as staff and students who are being supported within the school,” the statement said.