A vigil has been held at Greenwich Islamic Centre for an eight year old boy who was killed by a motorbike rider while walking to the mosque for isha prayers.
The boy’s father was seriously injured after he was also hit by the motorbike last week in Woolwich, and his brother, 10, who was crossing the road with them, is recovering from his injuries.
It is understood the father was walking hand-in-hand with his two sons when the crash happened.
Officers said there was nothing to suggest the incident was linked to terrorism or hate crime.
Police said the motorcyclist, 20, was also taken to hospital where his condition is not thought to be life-threatening. He has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Officers were called at approximately 19:30hrs on Sunday, 19 February to reports of a motorcycle in collision with three pedestrians on a pedestrian crossing in Plumstead Road, near the junction with Lenton Street, SE18. Officers, London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance all attended the scene.
“Despite the best efforts of the emergency services one of the pedestrians, an eight year-old boy, sadly died at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
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“A man, aged in his 40s, and a ten year-old boy, who were crossing the road together with the younger boy, were taken to hospital suffering serious injuries. The man remains in a life-threatening condition but the ten-year-old’s condition is no longer life-threatening. The rider of the motorbike – a 20-year-old was also taken to hospital. He remains there – his condition is not life threatening. He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
“Any witnesses or anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8285 1574. Alternatively you can contact police by calling 101 or tweeting @MetCC and quoting CAD 6036/19Feb.”
Meanwhile, Greenwich Islamic Centre expressed its heartfelt condolences to the family, saying: “While no words can ease the loss of the family, we hope that these gestures of sympathy will be a comfort to them. Anyone who knew the young boy would know how kind hearted, smart and loving he was. He would have done anything for anybody, he was truly an amazing person. This is a massive shock to the community.
“May Allah give the family sabr in this difficult time. May Allah ta’ala accept his good deeds and enter him into Jannat ul-Firdaus and forgive any of his shortcomings.”
