Rising star Joanna Reyes killed by car 'as she stood on traffic island' in London

A promising actor who had been tipped for future stardom has been killed by a car as she was leaving rehearsals in London. Joanna Reyes, 37, had just left Shoreditch's City Academy in Limehouse, east London, at about 11.30pm on Thursday (17 November) when the tragedy occurred.

According to early reports Reyes was standing on a traffic island when she was hit by a white Range Rover. She was treated at the scene by paramedics but was pronounced dead just after midnight.

Reyes was in rehearsals for the comedy musical Urinetown and had starred in productions of Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Cabaret.

She had recently signed to talent agency PMA London and had been tipped for stardom.

Joanna's agent Linda Bradley told The Standard: "This news of our client, Joanna Reyes, passing away has shocked us beyond description. There is nothing words can say at this moment to soften this tragic early loss of a beautiful life. The theatre world, our religion, has lost a huge beauty and talent."

According to The Mirror a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At this early stage of the investigation, it is believed that the victim was standing on an island in the middle of the road when she was struck by a white Range Rover Sport."

In a separate statement the Met added: "Next of kin have been informed. Formal identification is yet to take place. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course."

A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is being held at a police station in east London.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the witness appeal line on 020 8345 4955.