Family 'utterly devastated' after man dies following Christmas Day collision in Shaftesbury Avenue

Aidan Chapman's parents described him as a "loving, kind, funny soul". Credit: Metropolitan Police

A man, described by his family as a "loving, kind, funny soul", has died after being injured in a road traffic collision on Christmas Day, the Metropolitan Police have said.

Officers were called just before 1am on Wednesday 25 December to reports of a road traffic collision and a car driving on the wrong side of the road in Shaftesbury Avenue.

25-year-old Aidan Chapman, was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died from his injuries in hospital on New Year’s Eve.

In a statement, the victim'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."

The Met said its Specialist Crime Command is now leading the investigation and the death is being treated as a homicide.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley 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."

A 30-year-old man appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 27 December 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.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey later this month.

Police say the charges will be reviewed by the court following the death of Mr Chapman.

Have you heard The Trapped? Listen as Daniel Hewitt exposes the UK's dirty secret.