Clapton Common crash: Headmaster pays tribute to teen Lewis Johnson, who died after police chase

Classmates of a teenager who died in a high-speed police chase today told of their “shock” at his death.

Former St Aloysius College pupil Lewis Johnson, believed to be 18, died yesterday after his moped collided with a van on the A107, next to Clapton Common.

Scotland Yard said officers had been chasing a moped after a smash-and-grab robbery near Kingsland Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A male passenger on the moped today remained in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Lewis, of Islington, attended the college, off Archway Road, until leaving at the end of year nine in 2012.

Today, his former headmaster Thomas Mannion paid tribute to the talented footballer.

“I remember he was a good footballer who was on Crystal Palace’s books,” he said. “He would often go off to train with them after school.

“He was a very nice young fellow. We are devastated as a school, especially his year group who are in the upper sixth in year 13 now.

“Everyone is shocked and our thoughts are with his family.”

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which has launched an independent investigation.