Hayes crash: Man 'fled scene' after crash which killed teenagers Harry Rice, George Wilkinson and Josh Kennedy

Robin de Peyer28 January 2018
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Police are hunting a man who is thought to have fled the scene after a horror crash which left three teenage boys dead.

Harry Rice, George Wilkinson and Josh Kennedy were killed when a black Audi mounted the pavement as made their way to a 16th birthday party. Two were aged 16 and one was 17.

A man, 28, who was in the car was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Detectives now say they believe at least one other man was travelling in the car and fled the scene in Hayes, west London.

Left to right: George Wilkinson, Harry Rice and Josh Kennedy
Facebook

Nobody else has been arrested and police have not ruled out more passengers being in the car.

The 28-year-old was reportedly arrested after being detained by members of the public and assaulted before police arrived.

The three victims were pronounced dead at the scene in Shepiston Lane at about 8.40pm on Friday. Other people who were standing alongside the boys escaped unharmed.

Wrecked: the Audi after the crash in west London which left three teenagers dead
PA

One of the victims, Harry Rice, had reportedly signed with semi-professional football club Farnborough Town FC following a successful trial but left the club a few weeks ago.

Academy manager Marc Wardley told Sky News the teenager was a "quiet and a really nice lad who got on with things, and who could have gone on to play at a decent level”.

Tributes: a woman arrives at the scene of the crash with flowers
PA

One tribute left at the scene read: "George Boy, I love you so much, love Kev, Vinnie."

Another said: "I thought I would never have to write this and I don't know what to write but I will always love and miss you millions."

Elsewhere, a card read "To my bro, always together forever," while a fourth said: "To my darling baby boi my heart is broken, love mum, Vinnie."

Tony Kitchin, 44, who works as a security guard at a haulage firm near the scene of the tragedy, said: "This road is busy 24/7. It's a speed trap.

Family members at the scene in Shepiston Lane in Hayes after three teenagers were killed after being hit by a car
PA

"I'm really surprised we haven't had more horrific accidents like this."

He added: "No parent should have to deal with that. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of the people who lost their lives last night."

Detective Superintendent Jane Shaw, of the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "These are horrific circumstances that have resulted in three young people on a night out losing their lives."

She added: "We know that there was a large party nearby and many people would have been travelling through the area and saw what happened or witnessed the aftermath.

A tribute at the scene in Shepiston Lane, Hayes
PA

"I need these witnesses to contact police immediately.

"We are also particularly keen to trace other motorists travelling through the area at the time."

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit directly on 0208 991 9555 quoting ref 7843 of 26 January, or call 101 or tweet @MetCC. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in