Police have issued an update following a serious collision in Dagenham last week, in which a girl and a woman were struck by a car.

The incident occurred on New Road, near the junction with Ballards Road, shortly after 8am on Tuesday, April 23.

Emergency services, including officers from the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service crews, rushed to the scene and found a 35-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl injured.

Initially, it was feared the girl might have suffered life-changing injuries. However, the Met Police confirmed today (April 28) that her condition has improved and is no longer considered life-changing.

Community Heroes in Action

Witnesses described dramatic scenes as around 30 members of the public rushed to help free the victims trapped beneath the car.

Luke Collins, a uro-oncology clinical nurse specialist at Guy’s Hospital in Southwark, was cycling to work when he encountered the aftermath.

He said:

“I saw loads of people actively trying to move a car. When I saw the little girl, it was even more shocking. I was expecting the worst.”
“It was heart-wrenching, but seeing the community come together so quickly was inspiring.”

The group successfully lifted the vehicle, allowing the victims to be pulled clear before emergency crews arrived.

Collins praised the “great community spirit,” noting that while Londoners can sometimes seem reserved, “they’ll definitely come together when it counts.”

Investigation Continues

No other injuries were reported. No arrests have been made in connection with the crash, and police enquiries remain ongoing.

The Metropolitan Police have appealed for any witnesses or those with dashcam footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1334/23Apr.