The heartbroken family of a 16-year-old killed in a hit-and-run while riding an e-scooter have described him as a “wonderful son”.

Appealing for witnesses to the crash in Bromley, south-east London, Junior Shay Alexander’s parents said they are in shock and “struggling to come to terms with the fact that our beautiful son is gone”.

The family said in a statement on Wednesday: “He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandson, and all those who knew him loved him.

“As we continue to deal with his unbearable loss, we would ask that any witnesses to the incident please contact police. Any information – no matter how small – could be relevant.”

The Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service were called to reports of a crash involving a car and an e-scooter in Southborough Lane in Bromley just after 1am last Sunday, and found the teenager with serious injuries.

He was taken to a central London hospital but later died.

The vehicle involved in the incident was found later the same morning in Southwood Close, Bromley.

The driver, a 20-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of a collision, causing death by dangerous driving, and providing a positive alcohol breath test. He was taken into custody and later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Officers have also arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of theft after the disappearance of the e-scooter, which they believe was stolen from the scene of the collision.

He attended a south London police station on Monday July 19 with the e-scooter and has been released under investigation.

Anyone who saw the crash, witnessed the taking of the e-scooter, or who saw a red Fiat Punto being driven in the area at around 1.20am is urged to call police on 020 8285 1574, giving the reference 775/18JUL.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.

Local residents are also being urged to check doorbell video cameras or dashcam footage.

In an unconnected incident on Monday, a three-year-old girl was left with “life-changing” injuries after being hit by an e-scooter rider in south London.

The incident happened in Myatt’s Field Park, Lambeth, at about 8.30pm.

The toddler had been in the park with her family when the crash happened, and was taken by relatives to a south London hospital, where she remains in a serious condition.

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is investigating and is calling for the young man who was riding the e-scooter to come forward, believing he may not have been aware of the severity of the girl’s injuries when he left the scene.

Witnesses are urged to call the SCIU at Catford Traffic Garage on 020 8285 1574, quoting CAD 7891/19JUL.