A Lambretta-riding councillor died at the age of 56.

Cllr James Bellamy, who represented the St James’ ward in Finsbury, was killed in a road accident.

The Labour councillor was first elected onto Finsbury Borough Council [as it was then known – it merged with Islington Council in 1965] in 1938.

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old cyclist was killed in a separate accident outside Islington Town Hall.

Patrick Osborn, of Northampton Park, Canonbury, veered into a lorry’s trailer and was run over by its back wheel. As he lay dying, Mr Osborn said his “wheel slipped” – and witnesses saw a “greasy patch” on his wheel.

A jury at St Pancras Coroners’ Court recorded a verdict of accidental death.