A man has appeared in court charged with the death of an eight-year-old boy following a crash in Plumstead.

Mustafa Ahmed died in Plumstead Road after a motorbike crashed with him, his dad Mohamed and brother Ahmed, as they were on the way to the Greenwich Islamic Centre at 7.30am on February 19.

Both Mohamed, aged in his 40s, and Ahmed, 10, were found with serious injuries and taken to hospital for further treatment.

Nicholas Hopkins, 20, of Burrage Grove, Plumstead was charged on Wednesday, March 15 with the following offences:
•    Causing death by dangerous driving;
•    Causing Death While Driving Uninsured;
•    Causing Death While Driving Unlicensed;
•    Two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving;
•    Possession of cannabis;
•    Racially Aggravated public order offence;
•    Failing to provide a sample of blood.

On Thursday, March 16, he appeared at Bexley Magistrates court.

He is next due to appear at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday, April 12.

Mustafa’s brother Ahmed suffered a ruptured liver following the crash but is now out of intensive care, according to the Evening Standard.

Has since been discharged but continues to receive treatment for life-changing injuries.

His dad, Mohamed was deemed in serious condition in hospital on March 20.

On February 26, a vigil was held for Mustafa at the spot where he was killed in Plumstead Road.

Greenwich Council confirmed it will be carrying out a visit to Plumstead Road with Transport for London and the police.

It also explained that the council is engaging with the community including the Greenwich Islamic Centre to understand their concerns.

A shopkeeper, who wished to be kept anonymous, said he is “not surprised” about the crash which led to the “poor” boy’s death.

He told the News Shopper: “I have lived and worked here for a while now, so I know that Plumstead Road can be dangerous because it’s like a dual carriageway, a very wide road.

“I think drivers have the impression to go 50 miles per hour or more.

“There’s been many times where I’ve seen cars just speed past, when it’s only meant to be a 30 miles per hour road.

“So, this crash was not a surprise in a way, and it was bound to happen. 

“Unfortunately, a boy has died as a result.”

Local Labour Councillor Asli Mohammed, a family friend, told the Evening Standard that Mustafa was a happy, caring, and compassionate young boy who enjoyed playing on the trampoline and playing football.

She wrote on Twitter: “Thank you everyone who came and gave up their time today on behalf of the family to show support but to think of little Mustafa’s life.

“Thanks to GIC for facilitating and Cardwell Primary School Teachers for sharing this with us and for your beautiful reminiscence of Mustafa.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “A man has appeared in court charged with the death of an eight-year-old boy following a collision in Plumstead.

“Mustafa Ahmed died in a collision in Plumstead Road, near the junction with Lenton Street, SE18 on Sunday, 19 February.

“Nicholas Hopkins, 20 (13.02.2003) of Burrage Grove, Plumstead was charged on Wednesday, 15 March with the following offences:
•    Causing death by dangerous driving;
•    Causing Death While Driving Uninsured; 
•    Causing Death While Driving Unlicensed;
•    Two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving;
•    Possession of cannabis;
•    Racially Aggravated public order offence;
•    Failing to provide a sample of blood.
“He appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 16 March.

“He is next due to appear at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday, 12 April.

“Officers were called at approximately 19:30hrs on Sunday, 19 February to reports of a motorcycle in collision with three pedestrians on a pedestrian crossing in Plumstead Road, near the junction with Lenton Street, SE18.

“Officers, London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance all attended the scene.

“Despite the best efforts of the emergency services one of the pedestrians, Mustafa sadly died at the scene. 

“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“A man, aged in his 40s, and a ten year-old boy, who were crossing the road together with Mustafa, were taken to hospital suffering serious injuries.

“The man remains in a serious condition in hospital. 

“The 10-year year old has been discharged but continues to receive treatment for life-changing injuries.”