Tributes have poured in for a 13-year-old schoolgirl who was knocked down and killed by a car yesterday.

Chiara Sanfilippo, of Fives Acres, Stansted Mountfitchet, died following the accident near her home on Cambridge Road at about 4.15pm.

Police believe she had just got off a bus and was attempting to cross the road close to the junction with Hargrave Close when she was struck by a red Suzuki car.

Year 9 student Chiara was a pupil at Herts and Essex High School. Headteacher Cathy Tooze described Chiara, who loved horse riding and was a fan of boyband One Direction, as a “popular and high-achieving pupil”.

She said: “We have been deeply saddened to hear the news of Chiara Sanfilippo’s death.

“She has been at Herts & Essex since Year 7 and was a popular and high-achieving student.

“Chiara made many friends and always had a kind word and a smile for others. She was well liked by her peers, who appreciated her sense of humour and positive outlook.

“Outside, Chiara’s passion was for horse riding and, along with many in her year group, loved the pop group One Direction.

“Chiara will be sadly missed by all who knew her. We send our condolences to Chiara’s family.”

She added: “Our concern at school is to do what we can to help our students and staff to cope with their immediate shock and grief; we have professional support available.”

Tributes were also paid via social network site Twitter. Helena Parry tweeted: “Rip chiara you are beautiful and will be missed x”, while Alice King added: “RIP Chiara you will be so missed, I love you so much I can’t believe your [sic] gone.”

Police closed Cambridge Road for around three hours following the incident. A diversion was put in place.

Officers have asked any witnesses, if they have not already been spoken to, to call 101 or e-mail collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.