The devastated wife of a "devoted father" has paid a moving tribute after he was knocked down and killed by a police car responding to an emergency call in central London.
A Tragic Collision in the Early Hours
David Clark, a 35-year-old Australian national, was struck by a marked Metropolitan Police vehicle on Borough High Street in Southwark. The incident occurred shortly after 12:30am on Wednesday, 7 January. Despite first aid being administered at the scene by the officers involved, Mr Clark was tragically pronounced dead.
In a statement released through the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), his wife, Celene Clark, said his death had left a "profound and lasting void". She emphasised that her focus is now on caring for the couple's seven-month-old daughter.
Independent Investigation Underway
The police watchdog, the IOPC, has confirmed it is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances of the fatal collision. Director Amanda Rowe stated that the officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses.
The IOPC's initial findings indicate that two police vehicles were travelling south on Borough High Street with their blue lights and sirens activated, responding to an emergency call. As the first vehicle passed through the junction with Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street, it collided with Mr Clark, who appeared to be crossing the road.
The investigation is in its early stages and includes:
- Reviewing CCTV and police body-worn video footage.
- Taking accounts from the officers involved.
- Conducting further CCTV enquiries near the scene.
- Awaiting a date for the opening of the inquest.
A Family's Grief and a Plea for Privacy
In her heartfelt tribute, Celene Clark described her husband as a loving partner, a devoted father, a son, a brother, and a cherished friend. "My husband David was not a headline, a statistic, or a passing news story. My heart is completely broken," she said.
She expressed gratitude for the compassion shown by those who have reached out but made a firm request for privacy for her family and friends as they grieve. "Our focus is on caring for our daughter, supporting one another, and honouring David's life away from public attention," she added.
Mr Clark, originally from Australia, was living in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of repatriating his body to Australia, which has so far raised just over £15,000.
The IOPC has met with Mr Clark's family to advise them of the investigation and has offered its deepest sympathies to his loved ones both in the UK and Australia.
