A COMMUNITY is in shock after a young Banstead mother and her son were killed in a car crash.
Friends and family have paid tribute to "beautiful" 29-year-old Nicola Morris and her "bright" 11-year-old son Kai Arnold, whose lives were cut tragically short on Saturday.
Flowers, cards and teddy bears have been left at the scene in Banstead Road near Ewell following the incident, which left six other people with serious injuries.
A card left at the roadside reads: "To my darling little sister, god I love you so very much, my heart hurts with every breath now you are gone. I will never understand why you've had to leave me – it was always meant to be us against life together and I'm so scared to do it without you.
"You have been the best sister and Auntie, and I'm so very proud of you."
It adds: "Your so beautiful and will be the most breathtaking Angel, Heaven is so lucky to have. Hold on to Kai and watch over us, we need you close."
Caroline Welch, head teacher of Woodmansterne Primary School, where Kai was a pupil, said: "The community of Woodmansterne Primary School is deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our pupils, Kai Arnold, in a road traffic incident on Saturday.
"Kai was a bright, cheery, sociable boy, who enjoyed being with his friends and loved music. He was well-liked by pupils and staff and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
The two-car collision happened at around 10.30am and involved a Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta.
Writing on Facebook, Danny Arnold, brother of Kai's father David, said: "I was hoping yesterday was a terrible dream but not that lucky whole family is in pieces but thanks again for everyone's support."
Paying tribute to Nicola - known as Nikki - and her son, a neighbour said: "She was a lovely person, this is such a shock. They were just a normal, down-to-earth family."
A condolence post on the Facebook page What's On In Banstead had more than 900 likes as the Mirror went to press.
Mary McCarthy wrote: "Very very sad to hear that shocking news. I drive on that road frequently... it can be deceptively dangerous. My thoughts are with the family."
Seven ambulances attended the scene along with Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, and three helicopters, including an advanced trauma doctor and paramedic. Injured patients were taken to various hospitals in London.
As the Mirror went to press, five people remained in a serious condition in hospital, including two men - one in his 60s and one in his 30s, a girl, and two women - one in her 50s and one in her 30s.
The road, between Banstead and Ewell, was closed in both directions between Cheam Road and Fir Tree Road for hours.
Anyone who witnessed the incident should call police on 101, quoting reference P14193877.
