Inquest opens into Anwar Shinwari’s death in Chadwell Heath hit-and-run

An inquest into the death of Anwar Shinwari, a motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run collision, was opened at East London Coroner’s Court on 4 August 2026. Shinwari, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene on the A12 at Whalebone Lane North in Chadwell Heath at 9.20 pm on 19 July.

Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine told the court the Metropolitan Police Service reported Shinwari was riding a motorscooter when he was struck by a car. The driver left the scene. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as multiple injuries. Shinwari was identified by his family after his body was taken to a local mortuary.

Charges and court date

Lee Culleton, 45, of Rattwick Drive in Canvey Island, Essex, has been charged with five offences. These include causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, and fraudulent use of a vehicle registration mark.

Culleton is scheduled to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 25 August 2026. The inquest, listed for April 2027, may be suspended until the criminal proceedings conclude, the coroner said.

Local reaction and support

Shinwari lived on Westwood Road in Goodmayes, approximately a five-minute drive from the crash site. Floral tributes were left near the junction in the days following his death. A message from Romford riders read, "As Romford riders we all pay solidarity and utmost respect to our Brother Anwar Shinwari. RIP."

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for repatriating Shinwari’s body to Afghanistan and supporting his family with funeral costs. The page describes the family as going "through an incredibly tough time."

What happens next

The next formal step in the criminal case is Culleton’s appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 25 August 2026. The inquest, due in April 2027, will proceed only if the coroner decides not to suspend it pending the outcome of the trial.