A TEENAGER run over and killed by a bus may have been a victim of robbers who pushed him into the road, it has emerged.

Ezekiel Amosu, aged 17, was hit by the double-decker in Forest Road, Walthamstow, just after 7pm on Monday (January 24).

Detectives are investigating reports there was a confrontation in the street moments before the incident.

Witnesses say Ezekiel walked with four friends from nearby Essex Close into a courtyard area in Forest Road when they were approached by a group of teenagers, who demanded his mobile phone.

He managed to escape following a brief altercation but seconds later was hit by the bus between the Blackhorse Road and Palmerston Road junctions.

The Guardian understands police are looking at the possibility that he was pushed in front of the bus, or was hit while running away.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

No-one has been arrested.

A post mortem examination is currently being held at Walthamstow Mortuary this evening (January 25).

His family have been informed.

The bus was an out of service 123 heading west towards a depot in Tottenham.

Detective Chief Inspector John Sandlin, who is leading the investigation, said: "What happened exactly is unclear at this stage but we believe that he may have been the victim of an attempted robbery minutes beforehand.

“The area would have been quite busy with people at that time of night and I would urge anyone with information to call police as soon possible."

A spokesman for Arriva, which runs the 123 route, said: "Unfortunately the bus was too close to the pedestrian when the incident occurred for the driver to take evasive action.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the young man who has lost his life.

"Our driver was taken to hospital suffering from shock following the collision.

"He has given a witness statement to police and Arriva London and are supporting their investigations."

One witness to the aftermath, who did not want to be named, said he saw the boy lying close to the kerb with a severe head injury.

He said: "I do think that someone might have pushed him. He was very close to the pavement.

"We get a lot of muggings and gangs here. At night it is terrible."

Arun Subra, 45, who is the manager of Subra Enterprises convenience store close to the scene, also witnessed the aftermath.

He was too upset to talk about what he saw, but said: "It is very sad. Everybody here is shocked.

"One of my customers spoke to someone who saw it. She said the bus was going quite slowly when it happened but she couldn't see much because it was dark. There's people saying he was pushed.

"There are problems here. I don't get any of it in my shop but there are gangs who mug people and fight."

But another Forest Road resident, Ivo Hristov, 30, said: "This is a busy road but it's a pretty quiet neighbourhood. I haven't seen much trouble.

"It's not nice what happened. It must be very upsetting for his family."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8345 3865 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.