A tragic incident unfolded as an expectant mother lost her unborn child in a car crash resulting from a police pursuit. The woman, in her 20s, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by the baby’s father, also in his 20s, when a car being chased by police collided with them late at night on Saturday, June 13.
The pursuit was initiated by law enforcement officers after discovering cloned number plates on the fleeing vehicle, which led to the collision on Lewisham Way when the driver failed to stop.
Following the crash, the pregnant woman, supported by the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade, was swiftly transported to the hospital. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the unborn baby did not survive. The mother, however, is currently receiving medical care, and her condition is stable. Fortunately, the driver of their vehicle escaped physical harm.
The 29-year-old driver of the suspect vehicle was apprehended on suspicion of various offenses, including causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, failure to stop, and possession of class A drugs. He too sustained injuries in the accident but is reported to be in stable condition.
An investigation into the tragic incident is ongoing, with the crime scene now cleared. The case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death during a police pursuit.
Detective Inspector Suzanne Quinton, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, expressed condolences to the affected family and emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, urging any witnesses with pertinent information or footage to come forward.
Individuals possessing information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the authorities at 101, quoting CAD 8670/13JUN for reference.