Pensioner fighting for his life after being knocked down by hit and run driver in Catford

A car which police had been forced to give up chasing later hit a man in his 60s in Catford today.

An investigation has been launched after the pedestrian was seriously injured in a road traffic collision.

Officers in Lewisham attempted to stop a car at about 1pm today in Lewisham.

The car made off and a pursuit was authorised – but the vehicle got away and the pursuit was terminated, with efforts being made to try and find the vehicle in the local area.

Officers found that the car had been in collision with a pedestrian in Sandhurst Road, Catford, just five minutes later.

The pedestrian, a man in his early 60s, was taken to an east London hospital, and his injuries are considered serious.

His next of kin have been informed.

A man was arrested near the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving.

He has been taken to a South London police station.

Officers from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are at the scene.

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards have also been informed.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct were notified and will launch an independent investigation