23 hours Ago By Evening Standard
Two are facing possible criminal charges after a heavily woman and her unborn died in a crash with an unmarked . The woman, who has not been named at this stage, died at the scene of the crash on the A20 near to the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road in Eltham on October 17. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is probing the incident, and announced on Wednesday that two officers, also unnamed, are now under criminal investigation.
A third officer who was a passenger in the car that crashed is being investigated for possible misconduct. One officer was at the wheel of the vehicle which crashed into the pregnant woman’s car, and the other was driving a second unmarked police car. “As part of our inquiries, we have obtained and are reviewing police dash cam footage, local CCTV, police logs and statements from witnesses to the incident.
We are also obtaining a report from a forensic collision investigation expert”, said the , in a statement. “We have established that at around 6.15pm on 17 October 2024, two unmarked police vehicles were travelling in Eltham as they responded to an unrelated incident.
“When travelling on Eltham Road, one of the unmarked vehicles was involved in a collision with the vehicle driven by the woman. Both police vehicles had emergency equipment activated. “The London Fire Brigade, London’s Air Ambulance and London Ambulance Service attended the scene and first aid was provided.
However, the woman and her baby tragically died. “Last week, the officer driving the police vehicle involved in the collision and the officer driving the other police vehicle were advised they are under criminal investigation for potential driving offences, which include causing death by dangerous driving. “Both officers are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct, while a third officer – a passenger in the vehicle involved in the collision – is being investigated for potential misconduct.
This does not mean that disciplinary or criminal proceedings will necessarily follow.” IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “The deaths of the woman and her baby are tragic, and our thoughts remain with her family and friends, and all of those affected. “We have met with the woman’s family to explain our role and we will provide them with regular updates as our investigation progresses.
The woman’s family have asked that their privacy is respected at this time. “This was a devastating incident on a busy road and our investigators are working hard to establish all of the circumstances leading up to the collision and the actions of the officers involved. “At the end of our investigation we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the to consider possible criminal charges and also decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.
” An inquest for the woman is due to be scheduled for a later date..
