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Tributes have been paid to a “bubbly, fun-loving guy” killed in a hit-and-run crash in the early hours of Tuesday.

Osman Ebrahim, 21, was knocked down while crossing Old Street after leaving a school reunion at Club Aquarium just before 4.30am.

A firefighter based nearby administered first aid before paramedics arrived to give resuscitation, but Mr Ebrahim died at the scene.

A grey BMW was seen driving away at high speed towards Old Street roundabout.

A friend in his 20s, who was also hit, was ­taken to hospital but his injuries are not believed to be serious.

Duanney Agyeman, 21, who went to school and college with Mr Ebrahim, had helped to organise the school reunion attended by his friend on Tuesday.

“I was catching up with Osman because I hadn’t seen him in a few years,” he told the Tribune. “I left to get some food. The next thing I turn around and he’s lying on the floor fighting for his life and they’re trying to resuscitate him. It was just a flash – I turned my back and he’s gone. He was such a bubbly, fun-loving guy. Everybody just warmed to him. He was such an animated character. I never saw him angry. He didn’t deserve to die like this.”

Mr Ebrahim lived with his family, of Eritrean origin, in Tottenham.

Floral tributes were laid close to the spot where he was killed. A friend, Angelica, wrote: “I still can’t believe this has happened. Why did you have to leave so soon? All I can think about right now is your smile and your goofy antics. You would always bring a happy vibe wherever you went.”

Another friend, Tari, said she was “devastated”, adding: “I can’t believe you’re gone. You went way too soon. You were such a fun-loving guy.”

Shop worker Abdul Mohammad, 27, said: “It’s very sad but it’s a busy junction and you have to be careful. It does not matter what time of day or night, it can be dangerous.”

Part of Old Street was cordoned off well into Tuesday morning, causing heavy traffic jams. Police are still appealing for information about a BMW 318, with registration number YE55 MZY.

Detective Inspector David Suddick, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or come across this vehicle.

“There is a possibility it may have been parked up or abandoned in the Streatham area.” Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 0208 345 3985 or the police non-emergency line on 101.

• Three men were arrested in connection with the incident on Tuesday. Two of them, aged 18 and 19, were bailed to a date in early April. A 21-year-old man was bailed to a date in early June.