Council called out after ‘insensitive’ dog advert put up in the same place KCL student died

Students at King’s College London are taking to social media to express their upset at a statue of a dog which was seen being built today on Strand campus, right where a fellow student was killed on Tuesday 18th March.

One student messaged KCLbrosmemes, an Instagram page for students at KCL. They said: “I’ve come into campus and they’re filming a dog food advert on strand right by the incident [yesterday].

“I’ve found it awful and insensitive and I went to student services and they basically said they can’t do anything because it’s public property.

“This is just so unacceptable. I can’t be the only one walking in today upset by this.”

Allegedly, the construction for the advert had been planned for a while, however the local council has not intervened to postpone it in consideration of the events on earlier this week.

On Tuesday, King’s College London student Aalia Mahomed died after being hit by an alleged drug driver. She was 20 years old.

There were two other victims from the incident, who have not been named. However, the public know that one is being treated in hospital for potential life-threatening injuries. The other is well, and has only suffered minor injuries.

One of them has been confirmed to be another student at the university.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and for drug driving offences.

The construction of the advert came only two days after Aalia’s death, with a number of students telling The King’s Tab they found this “insensitive”.

One student said: “This is just so inhumane to build a fun looking structure and then FILMING around it.”

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Another student told explained that there were even a group of tourists taking crowd pictures by the church where there was a vigil.

When visiting the memorial to pay respects, one student was approached by two members of the public. They asked: “Do you know what this is for?”

Students have been taking to social media to express their condolences to the family and friends of the student who was killed. A vigil has been placed outside of Bush House at Strand campus, where students have been laying down flowers.

The King’s Tab reached out King’s College London for their response regarding students’ upset at the dog statue.

A spokesperson for KCL said: “Unfortunately we do not own, or therefore control the activity which takes place in the space, however we have asked the council to be respectful of the area immediately around the incident site and the flowers that have been laid.”

Just after The King’s Tab reached out to KCL for comment, Professor Shitij Kapur, vice-chancellor and president of King’s College London sent an email out to the entire student body. 

He wrote: “A senseless tragedy struck our campus on Tuesday – a tragedy that has led to the loss of life of one of our students, Aalia Mahomed.

“Aalia was in her second year of study for her BSc in physics and philosophy in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences and Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

“Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and we offer them our deepest condolences. Aalia’s family has asked that we respect their privacy as they mourn the loss of their daughter. 

“Another of our students is still in hospital and is in our thoughts. We are in touch with their family to ensure they feel supported.

“We cannot at this time share details of the accident as it remains a matter of active investigation by the police and we are in contact with the relevant authorities.

“Words often bring little comfort at these difficult times when what has happened cannot be reversed – but I hope that in supporting our students and staff, and honouring and remembering what has been lost, we will find a way forward.”

The Metropolitan Police is appealing for information about the tragedy, and those who may be able to help are urged to contact officers on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 2771/18MARCH.

However, if you wish to remain 100 per cent anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you’re looking for support, you can contact King’s College London’s wellbeing team, or Grief Encounter here. 

Westminster City Council didn’t respond to a request for comment from The King’s Tab.