A motorcyclist in his 30s has died after reportedly crashing into a lampost whilst 'racing' with friends in Belvedere last night (July 9).

Residents have reported seeing a group of around 15 or 20 motorcycles riding down the A2016 where the crash happened at around 7.30pm.

Met Police officers were called to reports of an injured motorcyclist at the roundabout which joins Eastern Way junction with Yarnton Way, opposite the Morgan Carvery pub.

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Emergency services at the scene of the crash. (c.) Kent 999s.

London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended the scene to rush the critically injured motorcyclist by air to the Royal London Hospital where he later died.

His next of kin have been informed.

Belvedere Park resident Edith Gomes was walking on foot near Eastern Way when she saw the police cordon.

She reported seeing a group 'of about 15' motorcylists travelling down the wide A road.

The 51-year-old said: "I have spoken with police and they need to do something in this area.

"This man who died was in a group of other motorcylists.

"The friends or group members left him back.

"I think they use this area like a playground. There's no CCTV, no speed cameras. The roads are quite wide so quad bikes use this area."

Ms Gomes and other Belvedere Park residents witnessed the aftermath of the crash whilst emergency services tried to save the victim.

She added: "When they left with him in a stretcher I saw the crew...in their faces they were looking quite desperate.

"I could read in their faces that it was really bad.

"I wanted to pay tribute to the family of this man and tell them that the Belvedere Park residents who were there are praying and we were concerned."

A Norton Road resident said: "I heard it was 20 motorbikes racing. I didn't know he had died."

His neighbour added: "It's sad."

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London's Air Ambulance was seen in the area last night. (c.) @n_s_martin

Eyewitness Chris, who stopped to help the injured biker, said: "I was travelling towards Abbey Wood - I pulled over and got my first aid kit from the car and went over to see if I could help.

"He was laying on his front and was breathing.

"A few pieces of the bike were laying over the road and pavement.

"Someone there said they saw him mount the kerb and hit the lamppost.

"I offered my first aid kit for help but was told there was no visible injuries.

"He looked to be in his 30s, a white male, around 5 10 to 6ft with shortish brown to ginger hair.

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"There was some blood on his helmet when I held it to put his glasses and watch in."

The 33-year-old added: "It all seemed quite calm at the scene and after knowing he was breathing I had thought he would have gone to hospital to be treated.

"Today I heard that he had died - it's really quite sad."

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Chris Jordan

Clydesdale Way resident Chris Jordan said: "The road was closed for about four hours.

"There is always accidents on that roundabout - I think that's the fourth one since I have lived here, in three years.

"You have got to be careful driving."

Melissa Randall, a shift superviser at the Morgan pub who was not working last night, said: "I am not surprised.

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"There is always crashes on the roundabout - people come round and they speed.

"If the road was closed then we would have lost customers.

"Staff had trouble getting home."

A police spokesman said: "At this early stage, no other vehicles are believed to have been involved in this incident.

"Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit based at Catford investigate.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the witness appeal line on 020 8285 1574.

Malik Jenkins tweeted this video of the air ambulance leaving Belvedere Park.

 

Do you want to pay tribute to the man who died? Call the newsroom on 01689 885721 or jessica.bell@london.newsquest.co.uk.