An Australian man has died after being struck by a police vehicle responding to an emergency in London, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
David Clark, 35, who lived in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, was crossing the road near the junction of Borough High Street and Trinity Street in Southwark on January 7 when the incident occurred, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.
According to the IOPC, two Metropolitan Police vehicles were travelling south along Borough High Street shortly after 12:30 a.m. with their sirens and emergency lights activated. Mr. Clark was struck by the first vehicle as it passed through the junction of Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street.
“The drivers of both police vehicles stopped at the scene and first aid was immediately provided to Mr. Clark,” an IOPC spokesperson said. “Tragically, he was declared deceased at the scene.”
A post-mortem examination has been carried out, and the watchdog is awaiting a date for an inquest to be opened. An investigation into the incident began on the morning of the collision. The IOPC has reviewed CCTV and police body-worn camera footage, and accounts from the officers involved, while further CCTV inquiries near the scene are ongoing.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe expressed condolences to Mr. Clark’s family and friends. “Our deepest sympathies are with Mr. Clark’s family and friends both in the UK and in Australia, and everyone affected by his death,” she said.
Ms. Rowe added that the family has requested privacy during this difficult time but will receive regular updates on the investigation. She emphasised the importance of an independent inquiry when a member of the public dies in an incident involving police, noting that the officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses.
The IOPC investigation remains in its early stages, with officials working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragic collision.
