The Islington teenager killed when a car ploughed into him just minutes from his home was riding a stolen moped, it emerged today.

Michael McGuiness, 18, died at the scene on Downham Road yesterday (Thursday) after a blue VW Golf collided with the motorbike he was riding at about 1.20am.

His 16-year-old friend, who was riding alongside him on another moped, has now been arrested on suspicion of theft after fleeing the crash scene.

Michael was pronounced dead at 2am at the junction with Southgate Road. The events leading up to the accident are unclear.

Officers, who have also arrested the 22-year-old car driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, continue to call for witnesses to the incident.

Scores of friends from the estate where Michael lived near Essex Road visited the scene yesterday to lay flowers for him. They revealed his mother and sister have been left devastated.

Long-term friend Charlie Snow, who laid his own floral tribute at the scene, said: “We just still can’t believe it. His family, his sister and his mum, are in bits. Everyone is.”

Michael was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics tried to revive him. The second moped rider fled the scene and was later arrested after riding a moped with no number plates.

Tyre marks could be seen stretching about 10 metres across the road at the scene in an apparent attempt to make an emergency stop.

Several heartfelt messages were left with flowers at the scene. One read: “Can’t believe it, still hasn’t sunk in. Was only with you a few days ago. I’m absolutely gutted.

“Had a lot of good memories with you that I’ll never forget.”

Another read: “Gonna miss you Mike and all our little jokes I told you. RIP. Gone but never forgotten.”

Further messages paid tribute to a “humble guy” who will be “forever in our hearts”.

Police are now calling for witnesses to the tragedy. Call 020 8597 4874 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.