A cyclist is in a life-threatening condition after being struck by an unmarked police car in Bermondsey, South London, on Friday evening. The incident occurred on Long Lane, near the junction with Bermondsey Street, at approximately 8:55 PM.
Collision Details
Witnesses reported that the cyclist was riding a Lime bike when the unmarked black Volvo police car collided with him. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the man, believed to be in his 30s, was taken to hospital with critical injuries. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified and has launched an independent investigation, as is standard procedure for such incidents.
A woman who witnessed the aftermath described the scene as a "distressing sight." She told The Sun: "The cyclist was in a very bad way. It was really grim and distressing to actually see someone in that state. The medics were here within two minutes though, just as well Guy’s Hospital is just around the corner. The paramedics were doing work on him for about an hour on the road, it was very chilling really, we all felt pretty helpless."
Witness Accounts
Another witness claimed the police car was responding to an emergency call when the cyclist "pulled out in front" while making a right turn. He added: "They [police] was on a call, there was a cyclist… bang, that’s it… It looked like he died." The injured man was later taken to hospital by ambulance. An elderly woman who saw the incident was reportedly hyperventilating and was taken into a neighbour's garden for care.
Police Statement
A Met Police spokesperson said: “At around 20:55hrs on Friday, 26 June, an unmarked police car responding to an emergency call collided with a cyclist on Long Lane, Bermondsey. The man on the bike, who is in his 30s, was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition. No arrests have been made and the road is now clear. As is standard practice, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been informed about the incident. The IOPC has begun an independent investigation and officers will continue to support them and their enquiries.”
