An independent investigation has been launched following a fatal crash in Croydon that occurred after a police pursuit on the evening of Thursday, 18 April.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which involved a collision on Wickham Road, near the junction with Shirley Road, at approximately 8.46pm.

The crash occurred when a vehicle being pursued by Metropolitan Police (MPS) officers collided with other vehicles belonging to members of the public. The driver of the pursued vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

In total, six other people were injured in the multi-vehicle crash and were transported to hospital. One of the victims is reported to have potentially life-threatening injuries.

A spokesperson for the IOPC said:

“We can confirm we have started an independent investigation into the circumstances of a fatal traffic incident in Croydon following a pursuit involving Metropolitan Police officers on 18 April. Our investigation is in its very early stages.

“So far, we have gathered initial accounts from the officers involved and obtained body-worn video footage.”

The IOPC will now work to establish the full sequence of events, including whether the police’s actions during the pursuit were appropriate and in line with protocol. Investigators will analyse forensic evidence, vehicle data, and police communications, and take witness statements from those involved.

Police cordoned off the area following the crash, and traffic diversions were put in place throughout the night.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the Wickham Road area around the time of the collision is urged to contact the IOPC or the Metropolitan Police as soon as possible.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been formally released, and next of kin are being informed.

This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation continues.