A Kingston man has died after his car crashed into a wall in the car park of Asda supermarket, in Kingston, on Monday afternoon.

Graham Allen, 70, from Falconry Court, in Fairfield South, died in Kingston Hospital at 6.23pm, two hours after the crash.

Police are now investigating what caused his Honda Integra to collide with a parked car and then hit a wall at high speed at 4.30pm.

Firefighters cut him out of the car, but ambulance crews were unable to save Mr Allen who suffered severe head injuries. He leaves behind his beloved wife Mary.

Councillor Steve Mama was a close friend who lived in the same road as Mr Allen for years.

He said: "He was a well known character in the area and a gentleman with strong trade union views and principles. I have known him for 40 years and I am very sorry to hear this very sad news."

Staff at the Asda store, in London Road at least one of whom on every shift is trained in first aid rushed immediately to help, and called for an ambulance. Asda staff administered first aid as they waited for a fast response car with a paramedic and an ambulance to arrive.

The ambulance crew assessed the situation and had to wait for fire fighters to cut Mr Allen free from the wreck.

Two fire engines from Kingston arrived in less than five minutes and a fire rescue unit from Heston with heavy cutting equipment was on the scene on 15 minutes.

Mr Allen was assessed at the scene and placed on a spinal board to ensure his head and neck were kept stable. He suffered severe head injuries and died as a result of them at Kingston Hospital.

An inquest was opened on Tuesday, but adjourned to await police reports.

Call Andy Bull on 020 8247 6935 with information.

July 18, 2002 11:30