Detectives are investigating a fatal e-scooter accident in Newham

Detectives have launched an investigation after an electric scooter driver was killed in a collision in east London.

Officers were immediately called to the scene of the accident on Woolwich Manor Way at 1.50am on Sunday.

They found a seriously injured e-scooter rider on the street.

The 27-year-old was taken to hospital, where he died.

When police arrived, there were no other vehicles at the scene and no arrests were made.

A statement from the Met Police said: “Police were called at 1.50am on Sunday 5 May to reports of a collision on Woolwich Manor Way at the junction with Albatross Close, E6. Officers from the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance attended.

“At the scene of the accident, an e-scooter rider was found on the road with serious injuries. No other vehicles were present.

“Despite the efforts of paramedics, police and later hospital staff, a 27-year-old man died in hospital on Tuesday, May 14.”

The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the statement continued.

Renting electric scooters is the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on public roads or other public places in London.

The penalties for driving an illegal scooter are a fixed penalty notice for not having insurance or a £300 fine and six penalty points. Police have not confirmed whether the scooter was a rental version with a speed limiter.

Last year, seven e-scooter riders died in accidents in the UK, while there were 1,269 collisions, according to government figures.

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit is asking anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed the incident in Woolwich to call 020 8597 4874 or 101 quoting reference CAD 736/05May.