London police continue to investigate a fatal motorcycle collision overnight on Ridout Street.

The crash occurred around 1:40 a.m. on Ridout Street just south of Thames Park.

A 17-year-old died in hospital after the motorcycle he was riding hit a hydro pole in the area. Police say speed was a factor.

"Evidence obtained at the scene is leading our traffic management unit at the scene to believe that speed was definately a factor in this case," says London police Const. Sandasha Bough.

Friends have identified the victim as Jake Timmerman.

Friends and other riders who came to the scene say Timmerman had been riding dirt bikes since he was young. One of them said he was an honour student.

Police closed Ridout Street between Elmwood Avenue and Craig Steet with members of the Traffic Management Unit investigating and the street was re-opened around 11 a.m.

Ridout remains a main throughfare for traffic to and from the downtown. Neighbours say speed has been a factor there for decades and they believe something should be done, such as traffic calming measures.