2:05pm Monday 8th January 2007
By Robert Fisk
COLLEGE railings have been filled with floral tributes to a youngster who was killed after crashing a stolen van.
Jimmy Billy Smith, 16, was being followed by police when the incident took place near Kemnal Technology College, Sevenoaks Way, St Paul's Cray.
The teenager, from Swanley, suffered serious head injuries in the crash at 1.11am on December 20 and died in King's College Hospital on December 22.
The white Ford Escort was stolen in the Sycamore Drive area of Swanley.
Jimmy's passenger, who is also 16, was arrested for theft and bailed to return to a north Kent police station on January 31.
An inquest into Jimmy's death was opened and adjourned at Croydon Coroner's Court on January 3.
One of Jimmy's friends, who did not want to be named, said: "Jimmy was a really funny boy.
"He was nice to me from the day I met him. He always stuck up for his friends.
"There are loads of things I will never forget about him, like when me and my mate were crying.
"He kept pretending to cry to make us laugh and when I got left on my own, he made sure I got home alright. He would not leave me on my own.
The 17-year-old added: "He was so funny and so lovely and didn't deserve to die.
"It is never going to be the same not seeing him and I will miss him so much."
St Bartholomew's Primary School, Bartholomew Way, Swanley, is one road away from Sycamore Drive, where the vehicle was stolen.
Headteacher Kevin McPartland said: "We are very concerned a young member of the community died in such tragic circumstances.
"Our condolences lie with his family during this time."
The collision is now being looked into by the Met Police's collision investigation unit, its directorate of professional standards and the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Call police on 020 8785 8777 if you witnessed the crash.
If you have any information about the theft of the van, call 01732 379217.
Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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