Scores of flowers and tributes have been placed outside the Woolwich shop of a man who died after a car mounted the pavement and hit him on Tuesday afternoon (August 5).

Ashwin Patel, 58, was hit by a black Saab 95 estate as he stood outside his Hill Reach General Store at around 4pm on August 5. Neighbours and paramedics tried to help but he suffered serious head and leg injuries and later died in hospital.

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A friend of his was also injured in the crash and was taken to hospital, though his condition was described as not life-threatening.

Since the news broke, many people have laid flowers, candles and other tributes outside the Hillreach store to the man many knew simply as 'Ash' and who ran the store for more than 30 years.

Daughter-in-law Hiral Patel, 29, said: "It just shows how much dad was loved in the community. They've all been so helpful."

Mrs Patel, married to Ashwin Patel's only son Sam, described her father-in-law as a "joker", who knew his customers so well he had nicknames for all of them and would greet them in the doorway of his shop.

She said: "He stood there by the doorway and his own dad did as well. They've been here over 30 years and they'd always stand out there. He'd always be there saying hi and bye to people."

Mrs Patel went on: "They all came back just to pay their respects. It's touching that people care so much.

"We'd all like to thank the community for the support and their kindness and heartfelt wishes."

She added: "We also want to thank the ambulance crew. They were on the scene really quickly. We know they did all they could."

The family say they have received around 100 cards while many friends and customers - some who have known Mr Patel since childhood - have signed a book of condolence in the shop.

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Two customers wrote: "What a lovely man you were. From when I was a child right through to adulthood you were always so kind and generous to me.

"Gone but for me will always be remembered. Thirty years service in our little "top shop". Always in our thoughts."

Another well-wisher said: "To a wonderful man who always had a smile and always said hello. Cannot believe you have gone. Will always remember you."

Donations are also being collected at the shop for King's College Hospital helipad fund.

Like many other residents, the family have also raised the need for safety improvements on the road - a spot where two young children died in an accident several years ago. A petition is being circulated in the area and is available to sign inside the store.

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But Greenwich Council says it will need to look at any findings from the current investigation before any decisions on safety measures are made.

A spokeswoman said: “We were dreadfully shocked and saddened to hear of this awful tragedy and our hearts go out to the friends and family of the man who has lost his life.

"The circumstances of this incident are being investigated and we are of course supporting that investigation.

"We take road safety extremely seriously and where any awful incident such as this occurs we will look into the findings of the investigation then determine what further action we should take.” 

The Saab driver, a 56-year-old woman, stopped at the scene but was not arrested.

Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Catford Traffic Garage are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information to call 020 8285 1574.