Met officers under criminal investigation after crash which killed pregnant woman

Two Met cops are under criminal investigation for potential driving offences following a horror crash which killed a pregnant woman and her unborn baby last month.

A 38-year-old woman, who was in the full-term of a pregnancy, died after the car she was driving was involved in a collision with an unmarked police car on the A20, near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road, Eltham, on October 17.  

The potential offences include causing death by dangerous driving.  They are both also being investigated for potential gross misconduct. 

A third officer – a passenger in the police car involved in the collision – is being investigated for potential misconduct. 

The investigation is being led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Formal identification of the victim has taken place. The woman’s family have asked for her not to be named. 

An opening for the inquest was planned for last week but is in the process of being re-scheduled, the IOPC said.

As part of its inquiries, the IOPC is reviewing police dash cam footage, CCTV, police logs and statements from witnesses to the incident. 

So far, the investigation has established that two unmarked police cars were responding to an unrelated incident when the crash took place at around 6.15pm. Both police vehicles had emergency equipment activated.  

One of the unmarked police cars was involved in a collision with the car driven by the woman. 

The London Fire Brigade, London’s Air Ambulance and London Ambulance Service crews attended the scene and first aid was provided. But, the woman and her baby died at the scene.  

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 the investigation, the IOPC will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider possible criminal charges and also decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, in charge of policing in Greenwich, said: “First and foremost, my thoughts remain with the family and friends of the woman who died as a result of this collision.

“We are assisting with the IOPCs enquiries in any way we can.

“It is important to remember, although the IOPC has announced it is looking at a criminal investigation, this does not automatically mean that charges will follow.”

Pictured top: Flowers, candles and messages at the scene of the crash by Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre after the crash (Picture: Claudia Lee)