Police appeal for witnesses after man, 68, killed by van in Emerald Square, Southall

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a 68-year-old man was hit by a van and killed in Emerald Square, Southall.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at about 1.38pm on Tuesday 22 September to reports of a collision between a van and a pedestrian in Emerald Square.

Police officers were joined by the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London's Air Ambulance, which landed nearby. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the man died at the scene.

The Met said his next of kin have been told and are being supported by specialist officers.

Driver arrested and bailed

A 22-year-old man was arrested that same day on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. Police said he has been released on bail while the investigation continues.

The investigation is being led by the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit. Detective Inspector Fiaz Janjua, of the unit, said: "This is a tragic incident in which a man has sadly lost his life."

Officers want to hear from anyone who was in or near Emerald Square at around 1.38pm that Tuesday and saw the collision or what happened just before it. They also want footage from CCTV, dashcams, mobile phones or doorbell cameras that might help.

Anyone with information can call the police on 101 quoting reference 01/8094116/26. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

'The first one to step up'

Since his death, the man's son said, hundreds of people have visited, phoned or sent messages to the family to tell them how he had helped them. The family had never known about much of it.

His son said his father introduced couples who went on to marry and cooked at every family event. He helped people find their first jobs, and later their second and third. Using what little he had himself, he also helped others start businesses.

His son described him as "the first one to step up, never say no".

He has since set up a charity to encourage others to give back to their community, and said his father was the reason for it.

Second death on Southall's roads in a week

The collision in Emerald Square came three days after another fatal crash in Southall. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 1.04am on Saturday 19 September to a single-car collision involving a Ford Mustang on South Road.

A 17-year-old passenger died and a 26-year-old man was seriously injured. Police later charged a 20-year-old man with offences including causing death by dangerous driving.

Police have not confirmed any further developments in the Emerald Square investigation. Anyone who has not yet come forward and may be able to help is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers.