Police driving on ‘wrong side of the road’ before crash killed pregnant woman, witness claims

A police car involved in a crash which killed a heavily pregnant woman last week was “driving on the wrong side of the road”, a witness has claimed.

The woman, aged 38, and her unborn baby died as a result of their injuries from the crash, which took place on Thursday at around 6.15pm, on the A20 near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road in Eltham.

A witness, Abu Bakar, 34, claimed the woman was turning into the Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre when an unmarked police car “driving on the wrong side of the road” collided with her car.

Mr Bakar told PA News agency: “Four police cars had their lights on racing down the road. The speed they were doing – I’ve never seen anything like it. 

“One of the cars hit her and she flipped three times. Her car was very badly smashed up.”

It is unclear whether the police car was responding to an emergency at the time. The Met said this question will form part of the investigation into the incident.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

London Ambulance Service crews, the London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance all attended the scene.

The victim has not been formally identified, but messages left at the scene in tribute to the woman have named her ‘Mariam’.

According to the Daily Mail, one tribute reads: “Mariam – The most amazing wife, mummy, daughter, sister and friend. 

“Having you in our lives was such a blessing. You were a real life angel on earth and our lives will never be the same again. We promise to always look after your family.

“Baby – we never got to meet you but we know that you and mummy are together looking after each other you will always be in our hearts.”

Another message attached to a bouquet of flowers outside Sutcliff Park said: “My deepest thoughts are with you, your baby and your family and friends. 

“The most awful tragedy that should never have happened, and hope your family get some justice. RIP beautiful lady and your baby.”

A spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that the police watchdog was investigating the fatal collision and was now appealing for witnesses.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have died and all of those affected by this tragic incident.

“This is a busy road, and the collision happened in the early evening when people are likely to have been travelling. 

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity at the time and may have witnessed the incident, or the moments leading up to it. 

“Anyone who saw anything or has footage is encouraged to get in touch with our investigators.”

At the scene on Friday, a resident who asked not to be named, said the junction where the crash happened was “extremely dangerous”.

The woman said: “There are so many cars and they go so fast through the junction.”

The two officers who were in the unmarked police car were also taken to hospital following the collision. They have since been discharged.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, in charge of policing in Greenwich, said: “My heart goes out to the woman’s family and friends who have lost their loved ones in these tragic circumstances.

“An investigation into the circumstances of this collision is under way by the IOPC and we will assist with their enquiries in any way we can.”

The Met declined to comment further.

Pictured top: Residents in the area said the junction where the incident took place is “extremely dangerous” (Picture: Claudia Lee)