IOPC witness appeal after fatal road traffic incident in Croydon

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses as we investigate the circumstances of a fatal road traffic incident in Croydon following a pursuit involving Met Police officers.   

We were advised by the force that at around 8.38pm on Friday 18 April, Met officers were in pursuit of a vehicle in the vicinity of Beulah Hill which had failed to stop.   

At approximately 8.45pm, the vehicle being pursued was involved in a collision with two other member of the public's vehicles on the A232 Wickham Road at the roundabout with Shirley Road in Croydon. The driver of the vehicle that was being pursued was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Six other people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries.  

After we were notified by the force on the night of the incident, we sent investigators to the scene and to the post-incident procedures. So far, we have gathered initial accounts from the officers involved and obtained the available body worn video footage. 

We have spoken with the man’s family and will keep them updated as our investigation progresses.   

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends and all those affected by the collision, particularly those who have been injured”. 

“Our role is to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident and we are in the very early stages. This is a busy road in Croydon, and we would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward and report what they saw.”   

Witnesses are asked to contact IOPC investigators by calling 03003035732 or emailing [email protected]