Theo Seward’s former schools said they had been left “heartbroken” by the tragic loss
More than 500 residents have called on Lewisham Council to install pedestrian crossings on a road where a 16-year-old boy was killed by a car.
Theo Seward was taken to hospital on July 9 after he was injured on Manor Lane in Lee at around 2.20pm. He sadly died in hospital on July 12.
An 18-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and drug driving, and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Theo has been remembered as a “much loved” son, brother, grandson, friend and pupil by his former schools.
During a meeting of the full council on Wednesday evening (July 22), his parents were present for a petition to be handed in to Lewisham Council which called for the installation of formal pedestrian crossings on Manor Road, between Southbrook Road and the South Circular.
Cllr James Rathbone, a ward councillor for Lee Green who was presenting the petition, said: “This stretch of road carries around 6,000 vehicles a day, including many heavy goods vehicles, but there are no formal crossing points to protect pedestrians. It is used on a daily basis by children travelling to schools, families and older residents.
“The tragic death of Theo Seward, whose parents are with us tonight, reinforces the importance of the residents’ concerns about safety on this road.”
He added: “We ask the council to give the petition careful consideration to prioritise a review of pedestrian safety on Manor Lane and bring forward proposals for formal pedestrian crossings to make this road safer for everyone.”
Mayor of Lewisham, Liam Shrivastava said he had raised Theo’s death with Transport for London (TfL) Commissioner Andy Lord and had asked council officers to explore actions and establish how they can work together to increase road safety.
Mayor Shrivastava said: “I want to be very clear that I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to make our streets safer and so that Theo’s passing cannot be in vain.
“I know that I speak for every member in the council that this needs to be seen as a watershed moment for Lewisham. We must tackle this issue.”
He added: “The situation on our roads is simply not good enough. And I want to say how deeply sorry I am that the pace of change has not moved fast enough. So on behalf of the council, we extend our deepest condolences to Claire, Mike and the rest of Theo’s family and all of those that knew him.”
A fundraiser set up by Theo’s former schools, St Winifred’s Primary School and Bonus Pastor Catholic College, has raised almost £11,000 in donations for his family.
The fundraiser partly reads: “Our St Winifred’s and Bonus Pastor communities have been left heartbroken by the tragic loss of Theo Seward, a much-loved son, brother, grandson, friend and former pupil.
“Theo’s passing has touched so many lives, and during this unimaginable time we want to surround the Seward family with the love, prayers and practical support of the communities who care so deeply for them.”
On July 14, Detective Sergeant Rob Harris, leading the investigation for the Met Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family following this heart-breaking incident.
“My team and I continue to work at pace to understand what happened. As we build a picture of the circumstances, we are keen to hear from any witnesses – particularly those with dashcam footage – who saw a white Range Rover Evoque in or around Manor Lane on the day of the incident.”
Anyone with information or footage is urged to call police on 101, quoting reference 4919/9JUL. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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