A young motorcyclist who died in a crash was an original member of a biker gang notorious for using estates like Thamesmead's as race tracks to pull off hair-raising stunts.

Ernest Miller, known as "Della" to his friends, died after his motorbike collided with a car in Copers Cope Road at the junction of Bridge Road in Beckenham at around 8am on May 13.

Witnesses described seeing the 26-year-old, who worked at Benedict House Nursing Home just yards away, thrown from his motorbike over the top of a car and into the road.

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Mr Miller was a member of Bike Life TV UK, linked to groups known for haring along Thamesmead’s roads and pavements on motorcycles performing tricks.

Last month News Shopper spoke to unhappy residents who said the authorities seemed powerless to stop the bikers and warned it was only a matter of time before someone was killed.

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Bike Life TV UK members laid a cross at the scene  

Members of Bike Life TV UK gathered at the scene of the crash on Copers Cope Road to hold a vigil on Wednesday evening, laying flowers and a cross.

In tribute to Mr Miller, one Bike Life TV UK member posted on Instagram: "Della died riding to work whilst wearing his leathers, no stunting, no acting up.

"When you’re getting ready to ride do you ever think about dying? I know I don’t.

"What I’m saying is loads of us unnecessarily risk our lives every time we rideout - wheeling, bussin red lights, overtaking round bends, all just a bit of fun yeah.

"Well all it takes is a split second to change that."

Another posted: "Rest in paradise bro!

"Been there from the very start, one of the first to even buy a Bike Life TV hoody.

"My respect goes out to his family and friends."

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Floral tributes left at the scene

It is not yet clear what caused the crash and police are still investigating.

A petition set up by Mr Miller’s friend, Cameron Gordon, calling for traffic calming measures to be installed along the road where he was killed has received more than 2,000 signatures.

Paying tribute to his friend, Mr Gordon said: "I have started this petition as a grieving friend of Della Miller - tragically killed in a road traffic collision on May 13.

"Della was knocked off his bike at 8am in the morning by a motorist turning across his path, leaving him no time to stop.

"He leaves behind a legacy as a truly upstanding, honourable and happy young man as well as a distraught family."

Mr Gordon later described his friend as "a carer by nature and profession, a father, true friend as well as being a sincerely loved, respected and influential young man".