Two Met officers under criminal investigation after crash with unmarked car kills pregnant woman
A pregnant woman and her unborn baby were killed after her car was hit by an unmarked police car.
Last updated 20th Nov 2024
Two Metropolitan Police officers are now under a criminal investigation after a crash with their police vehicle killed a pregnant woman and her unborn baby in south-east London
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said two unmarked vehicles had been travelling in Eltham, responding to an unrelated incident, when the crash happened.
Both vehicles had emergency equipment activated, the IOPC said.
The 38-year-old woman, who was heavily pregnant, and her baby, died at the scene after the crash on the 17th of October on the A20 near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road.
Two police officers, who were driving both vehicles, have been placed under criminal investigation for potential driving offences, including causing death by dangerous driving, the IOPC said.
Both officers are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
A third officer, a passenger in the vehicle involved in the collision, is being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
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 Crown Prosecution Service to consider possible criminal charges and also decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings."