Father of 22-year-old man killed in motorbike 'hit-and-run': 'We need answers after CCTV missed crash'

Killed: Conrad Lewis
John Pratt
Tom Marshall8 August 2015
WEST END FINAL

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A father whose 22-year-old son was killed in a suspected hit-and-run in south London has spoken of his desperate search for answers after CCTV cameras missed the motorbike crash.

Art college graduate Conrad Lewis died from multiple injuries after being thrown from his 98cc Yamaha bike into a lamppost in Lewisham on September 12 last year.

However, the precise circumstances remain a mystery as cameras covering the crash site in Loampit Vale, at the junction with Jerrard Street, were not working at the time.

His father John Pratt, 61, is today launching a fresh appeal for witnesses in the hope of finally securing justice for his son.

The distraught sculptor and prop maker told how he feels let down by police and his fellow Londoners after only one witness came forward and the investigation stalled.

“Our overall impression is that actually no one cares any more,” he said.

Appeal: the dark blue Volkswagen Passat and the silver Toyota Prius (Pictures: Metropolitan Police)

“There were a number of cars that could have been valuable witnesses who just drove past our dying son, obviously the responsible driver disappeared, it seems unlikely that there were no pedestrians who saw what happened.

“What is wrong with Londoners these days?”

The accident happened at about 10.20am and Mr Lewis was pronounced dead just after 1pm at King’s College Hospital.

Police believe a silver or grey car may have been involved but have not been able to trace the driver.

Mr Lewis had recently graduated from Chelsea College of Art in graphic design and lived at home with his parents Mr Pratt and wife Joanna Lewis in Brockley. He earned money while searching for a job by refurbishing second-hand bicycles to sell on eBay.

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Mr Pratt described him as the “love of my life” and said says he was a “lovely lad, much nicer than me”, while more than 100 friends attended the funeral.

Possible witness: a moped rider police want to question (Picture: Metropolitan Police)

“Everyone who knew Conrad thinks it was a hit and run,” he added.

“All his close friends reckon he was a careful rider and fully aware of the dangers out there.”

He continued: “An innocent young man on a motorcycle and no one cares. How many more families are out there in the same circumstance as us and still no one cares?”

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “The MPS carried out a full and proportionate investigation of this tragic incident.

“Every effort was made to identify witnesses. As a result, only one witness was identified and came forward.

“The witness stated that they thought a silver or grey car possibly might have been involved, however they were vague and uncertain about this detail.

“Police followed up on the information and issued it as part of the appeal, however no evidence could be found of this suggested vehicle, or any other vehicles being involved.

“Police will investigate any further information. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family.”

Police still hope to trace the owners of the three vehicles pictured.

Anyone with information can contact the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Catford on 0208 285 1574 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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