Son pays tribute to caring mother

The family of a grandmother who died in a road collision just a stone’s throw from her doorstep have said she was like a mother to everyone who knew her.

Devi Ben Patel, 79, was walking home at around 1pm on Tuesday after visiting a neighbour in Northchurch Road, Wembley, when she was in collision with a van. Emergency services, including the Air Ambulance, raced to the scene but Mrs Patel was pronounced dead when they arrived.

Her children, grandchildren and friends gathered at her home in Tokyngton Avenue yesterday, where she lived for 40 years, still in shock over the tragedy.

Mrs Patel’s son Bhupendra, 51, described his mother as an active woman who was well-known in the neighbourhood. He said: “She was out and about every day - it was rare to find her sitting at home. Everyone around here called her mother.”

Her four children and five grandchildren were among the many mourners paying tribute to the family matriarch.

The accident, on the corner of Tokyngton Avenue and Northchurch Road, is currently under investigation.

The 48 year old driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of death by careless driving and is currently in custody.