Inquest reveals how speeding car was 'racing' before killing postman in Dagenham crash

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A man has now been charged with causing death by dangerous driving

An inquest has opened into the death of a father who was killed after a speeding car crashed into his vehicle.

Jeffrey Hollis, 57 from Rainham, was killed on April 30 when a Mercedes collided with his car at the junction between Heathway and Oxlow Lane in Dagenham, Greater London at around 6am that morning.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mr Hollis was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.55am.

The occupants of the Mercedes fled the scene of the crash on foot.

At Walthamstow Coroner's Court today (May 22), the inquest into Mr Hollis' death was opened.

Coroner's officer, Jean Smyth said: "Police attended the scene of the road traffic collision on Oxlow Lane at the junction with Heathway. Mr Hollis was found deceased in the car. CCTV shows two cars racing at speed. One of the vehicles hit Mr Hollis' vehicle."

A post-mortem was carried out at Queens Hospital by Dr Swift on May 4 and gave the cause of death as severe spinal and chest injuries.

Detectives investigating the crash arrested Karolis Andriukatis, 22, of Harrow Road, Barking on May 4.

He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop, and failing to report a collision the following day and appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court.

Coroner Nadia Persuad suspended the hearing and provisionally set a date for the inquest to take place in November 2020.

Ben Hollis, the son of the victim said the incident left him and his family "heartbroken".

In a tweet shortly after the incident, Ben said: "He was a postal worker just on his way to work, we are all absolutely heartbroken

"If anyone knows anything, we beg you to contact the police as soon as possible."