POLICE have appealed directly to the driver involved in a fatal crash at Fort Road to come forward. A post mortem was carried out yesterday afternoon and police believe that the death of 16-year-old Phil Hooper was the result of a road traffic collision.

He was discovered lying near the side of road by a passing motorist in the early hours of Sunday.

‘Somebody, either the driver, a friend or member of the family must know something about this accident,’ said Detective Chief Inspector Ian Morellec.

‘I’m sure they are having difficulty coming to terms with it and would encourage them to come forward.’

The maroon Renault 19 towed away from the lay-by on the left of Croutes Havilland Lane before the scene was cleared has been eliminated from the inquiry.

‘We have nothing to suggest that there was any foul play leading up to his death,’ said Detective Sergeant Terry Coule.

‘The coverage supplied by the media has identified a number of witnesses who have been interviewed and as a result we have a much better picture of the events leading up to Phillip’s death.’

Three youths sitting on the pavement at Morley Corner have been identified.

‘And we have had a good response from people using Fort Road and a number of statements have been taken as a result.

‘The investigating officers’ thoughts are very much with Phillip’s family at this difficult time and we would like to thank the public for their valuable assistance to date.’

Police thought Phil had attended a drum and bass and hip-hop night at the Fermain Tavern, organised by Matrix State.

Gavin Marsh, who runs the Fermain Tavern with his wife Sabrina, expressed his deep sympathy to Phil’s family and friends.

‘We are extremely sorry for any parent who has to go through that.

‘We do sympathise,’ he said.

He confirmed that Phil was in the pub that night, but had twice been asked to leave because he could not produce identification to prove his age when asked by bar staff.

‘He did slip through the net and gain access to the pub and was refused service.

‘He was ejected but he made it back in. He wasn’t in the pub drinking.

‘He was refused service because he was clearly under age.’

Mr Marsh said that he had taken all the proper steps a landlord should.

‘We did everything; we lock off the two front doors and everybody goes through a door where they get asked for identification.

‘We have bar staff as a secondary measure and if they come across someone and they’re not sure of their age and they can’t produce ID, they are asked to leave.’

Mr Marsh said that his pub had been exonerated by police inquiries.

‘We have been given the all-clear. They recognise that we have done everything in our power. Obviously, it’s very, very unfortunate what’s happened but we took every step we could.’

Anyone with information about Phil’s movements after he left the tavern is asked to contact the CID on 725111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.