Tributes flow for 17-year-old killed in hit-and-run smash (From Haringey Independent)

Tributes flow for 17-year-old killed in hit-and-run smash

10:26am Thursday 12th January 2006

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A popular Enfield teenager died in a hit-and-run accident in Southbury Road on Saturday.

Thomas Robinson, 17, of Manor Court, sustained fatal head injuries when his moped collided with a silver Volkswagen Golf at around 11.20pm at the junction with Clydach Road.

The car's driver failed to stop and the suspect car was later found abandoned in Ladysmith Road, Enfield.

A flower-filled shrine to the former pupil of Capel Manor College and Lea Valley High School has been set up at the scene of the accident and friends and family were quick to pay tribute to the teenager, who was one of four children.

His sister Caley, 21, said: "We love him and miss him and are devastated. He knew everyone and was well liked."

Janet Cullen, headteacher at Lea Valley High School, said: "Tom was a well liked young man. He left the school in 2003 and went on to do a horticultural course at Capel Manor College and he was looking forward to pursuing a career in gardening."

Madeline Hall, Head of Capel Manor College, said: "Tom was a delightful boy. He had an independent spirit and a great sense of fun. He had enormous potential and staff and students are very sad he won't have the opportunity to show the world what he could do."

Tom's offer to help younger students at Capel Manor in his own time led to the establishment of a mentorship scheme at the college.

The conscientious young gardener also went back to Lea Valley High to talk to pupils about further education opportunities and started his own gardening business using his moped to ferry him between jobs.

Residents of Manor Park are organising a collection for Tom's funeral with collections also taking place at his former places of study. The Independent is also collecting donations at the office at 28 London Road, Enfield.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and anyone with information is asked to call the Collision Investigation Unit at Chadwell Heath on 020 8345 or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two men aged 24 and 33 handed themselves into police on Sunday and were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed to return in February pending further inquiries.

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