Fatal Collision Involving Police Vehicle Under Investigation
An Australian man has died after being hit by a Metropolitan Police vehicle that was responding to an emergency call in central London. The incident occurred in the early hours of last Wednesday morning in the Southwark area.
David Clark, a 35-year-old from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, was crossing the road near the junction of Borough High Street and Trinity Street shortly after 12.30am when the collision happened. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Details of the Emergency Response
According to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), two police cars were travelling south on Borough High Street with their sirens activated and emergency lights on. The IOPC stated that the driver of the first vehicle passed through the junction at Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street before the collision with Mr Clark occurred.
Both police drivers stopped immediately and provided first aid, but tragically, Mr Clark could not be saved. The IOPC confirmed that a post-mortem examination has been carried out and they are awaiting a date for the inquest to be opened.
Independent Investigation Launched
The IOPC began its investigation on the morning of the collision. Investigators have already reviewed CCTV footage, police body-worn video, and accounts from the officers involved. Further CCTV inquiries near the scene are continuing this week.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe expressed the organisation's deepest sympathies to Mr Clark's family and friends in both the UK and Australia. 'We have met with his family to advise them of our investigation and they will be provided with regular updates,' she said. 'Given a member of the public has died in an incident involving police, it's important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances.'
The watchdog confirmed that the investigation is in its early stages and that the officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
