A 63-year-old man has died following a police pursuit that ended in a serious multi-vehicle collision in Croydon on Friday evening.
At around 8.28pm on 18 April, Metropolitan Police officers on patrol in Croydon began following a vehicle suspected of displaying cloned number plates. The vehicle failed to stop when requested at 8.38pm in the vicinity of South Norwood High Street, sparking a pursuit through the borough.
Just minutes later, at 8.46pm, the vehicle collided with two other vehicles near the junction of Wickham Road and Shirley Road. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene.
Police officers provided initial medical assistance, including CPR, before paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and firefighters from the London Fire Brigade arrived.
Despite best efforts, the 63-year-old male driver of the vehicle being pursued was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
Two passengers, both 61-year-old men, were arrested. One was held on suspicion of being carried in a stolen vehicle and possession of Class A drugs. Both remain in police custody.
The occupants of the two other vehicles – six members of the public – were also injured and taken to hospital. One person has been diagnosed with potentially life-threatening injuries.
The area was cordoned off for several hours as accident investigation officers examined the scene. Road closures and bus diversions were put in place but have since been lifted.
As per protocol, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the death occurring following a police pursuit. The IOPC has now launched an independent investigation into the circumstances.
Anyone with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
