Woman in Critical Condition After Alleged Hit-and-Run
A 65-year-old woman is fighting for her life in hospital following a serious road traffic collision in Bellingham, southeast London. The incident occurred on October 31, with police being called to the scene at approximately 10.10pm.
According to the Metropolitan Police, a car was involved in a collision with a pedestrian. It is alleged that the vehicle involved failed to stop at the scene, leading to a manhunt for the driver.
Cross-Border Arrest and Charges
The suspect, identified as Michael McLaughlin, 38, from Buncrana in the Republic of Ireland, was subsequently arrested. In a coordinated effort, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers detained McLaughlin on a motorway in Northern Ireland on Friday.
He was then escorted to England for questioning. McLaughlin was interviewed at a south London police station about the crash.
On November 8, he was formally charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road traffic collision.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Michael McLaughlin remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Officers from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. They are urging any witnesses who have not yet come forward to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 9111/31NOV.
This tragic event follows another recent serious hit-and-run in London, where a 12-year-old boy was seriously injured in Chingford on October 15, highlighting ongoing concerns about such incidents on the capital's roads.
