A driver being pursued by police for a suspected cloned licence plate crashed into a couple with a heavily pregnant woman, resulting in the death of her unborn child. The incident occurred on Lewisham Way in New Cross at approximately 11:30 PM on Saturday.
Details of the Incident
Police were chasing the suspect's vehicle after it failed to stop. The suspect's car then collided with another vehicle driven by a man in his 20s, who had his heavily pregnant partner, also in her 20s, in the passenger seat. Paramedics rushed the pregnant woman to the hospital, but despite medical efforts, her baby died. She remains hospitalized in stable condition. The male driver of the second car was treated for injuries that were neither life-threatening nor life-changing.
Arrest and Charges
A 29-year-old man, identified as the driver of the suspect vehicle, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, failure to stop, and possession of class A drugs.
Police Statement
DI Suzanne Quinton from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: 'Our thoughts are with the mother and father involved, and their family following the tragic loss of their child. Our investigation continues. We would ask anyone with information or footage that could help to please come forward.'
IOPC Referral
A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in line with standard procedure whenever a death or serious injury follows a police pursuit.
