Pregnant woman, 38, and her unborn baby die in fatal crash with police car

A pregnant woman and her unborn child have tragically died after a collision with an unmarked police car, officers have said.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which unfolded just after 6pm on Thursday in Eltham, southeast London.

The Metropolitan Police said the woman, 38, was “heavily pregnant” in the crash, saying “an unmarked police car was in collision with a member of the public’s car”.

London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance all attended the scene of the crash – on the A20, near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road.

A police statement also confirmed that the 38-year-old’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

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 Independent Office for Police Conduct and we will assist with their enquiries in any way we can.

“A road closure will remain at the scene today and I am grateful for the patience of the local motorists, who will need to use alternative routes.”

Two police officers, who were in the unmarked car at the time of the crash, were both hospitalised afterwards.

They have both since been discharged, police said.

More to follow…