A man has died after he was struck by a car travelling down the wrong side of the road on Christmas Day. Aidan Chapman, 25, succumbed to his injuries in hospital on New Year’s Eve, six days after the collision on Shaftesbury Avenue, near Leicester Square, at around 12:45am on December 25. A post-mortem is still due to take place, but Aidan’s death has triggered a murder investigation.
Aidan’s parents said: “The loss of our beautiful son is a parent’s worst nightmare, we are utterly devastated with the loss of Aidan, he enriched everyone’s lives. He was a loving, kind, funny soul and the world is a darker place without him. We, his parents, have lost the best part of ourselves.”
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s friends and family at this difficult time. My team are continuing to conduct enquiries to establish all the facts surrounding the circumstances, however it has been confirmed as an isolated incident which is not terror-related.
“We would appeal to anyone who holds any CCTV or dash cam or mobile phone footage of the incident to come forward as well as anyone else who might have had contact with the suspect that evening.”
Forensic investigators collect evidence at the scene on Shaftesbury Avenue
(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Anthony Gilheaney, 30, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 27) and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey later this month.
Mr Gilheaney was charged with four counts of attempted murder, causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, driving a motor vehicle dangerously and possession of a bladed article in a public place, however those charges will now be reviewed by the court after Aidan’s death.
A Met spokesperson said: “Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC quoting CAD 233/25DEC. Information, photos and footage can also be uploaded to Public Portal. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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