A MAN has died after a car ploughed into pedestrians on Christmas Day – as his family pays tribute to their “beautiful son”.
Aidan Chapman, 25, sadly passed away from his injuries on New Year’s Eve following the fatal collision.
The incident took place in central London
Forensic officers were seen inside the cordon
The scene following the horror crash
Officers were called to the crash, which involved four pedestrians, at 12:45am.
It followed reports that a car was driving on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue in central London.
A 30-year-old, Anthony Gilheaney, has since been charged with four counts of attempted murder, causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, driving a motor vehicle dangerously and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
He appeared in court on December 27 and has been remanded in custody until January.
The charges are set to be reviewed by the court following Aidan’s death.
In a statement, Aidan’s heartbroken parents paid tribute to their son.
They said: “The loss of our beautiful son is a parent’s worst nightmare, we are utterly devastated with the loss of Aidan, he enriched everyone’s lives.
“He was a loving, kind, funny soul and the world is a darker place without him. We, his parents, have lost the best part of ourselves.”
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley from the Met Police said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s friends and family at this difficult time.
“My team are continuing to conduct enquiries to establish all the facts surrounding the circumstances, however it has been confirmed as an isolated incident which is not terror-related.”
DCI Jolley urged anyone with information, such as CCTV or dash cam footage, to come forward.
The force also added that its Specialist Crime Command was leading the investigation into Aidan’s death, which is being treated as a homicide.
In an earlier statement, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “The suspect was arrested within minutes of this violent attack in the early hours of Christmas Day in Central London.
“Since then, investigators have worked tirelessly to build the case and have today charged Anthony Gilheaney with four counts of attempted murder.
“Our thoughts now are with the victims, one of which remains in critical condition in hospital.”
Several cordons were erected following the horror crash.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC quoting CAD 233/25DEC.
Aidan Chapman, 25, passed away on New Year’s Eve
One of several cordons erected following the crash Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
