A probe has been launched after a much-loved soldier died in a motorbike crash seconds after police in an unmarked car allegedly started pursuing him.

The death of 23-year-old Phil Scott, known as Scotty, described this week by his heartbroken family as “one-in-a-million”, has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

It follows the fatal accident in Kingsland Road, Dalston, last Wednesday night at around 9.40pm.

The rifleman, from the 1 Rifles Battalion, died instantly when he came off his motorbike and hit a lamppost after clipping a car turning into Englefield Road as he drove home to Clapton from Shoreditch.

His family said this week that the accident had happened just seconds after police in an unmarked car switched on their blue lights behind him.

The family has been told by officers that Phil had been travelling at speed.

Speaking from the family home in Glyn Road, his heartbroken mother, Siobhan Grehan, said that her son had wanted to join the army ever since he was a young boy and had been due to return to his regiment in Chepstow this Monday.

Ms Grehan said: “He had just finished his training as a soldier and passed out in April.

“He was extremely proud of his achievement. Everybody was proud of him. I always knew that there was a chance that I could lose him in action but I never thought that I would lose him this way.

“Philip was everyone’s friend, everyone who knew him loved him.”

Rifleman Scott’s 26-year-old brother Chris,paid homage to his “best friend”, saying: “My brother and I were the closest anyone could be. People said they had never met brothers like us before. We loved each other and I will miss him so much.’’

Enthusiast

Family members affectionately recalled a keen motorbike enthusiast, who loved fixing, repairing and riding them – having learned the skills from his step-father.

Ms Grehan said she was distressed to hear that her son had been “blue-lighted” and that his death could have been avoided, if things had been dealt with differently.

“I hope lessons are learned, as I would not want any other mother to go through what I have,” she added.

An IPCC spokesperson said:“The IPCC can confirm it is independently investigating a road traffic incident which took place on the evening of Wednesday August 7 in Hackney, in which the rider of a motorcycle, a 23-year-old man, sadly lost his life.

“The investigation is in its very early stages and we will be meeting with the man’s family at the earliest opportunity to discuss our role and focus.”