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A heavily pregnant woman, 38, and her unborn baby have died after the vehicle they were in was hit by an unmarked Met police car.
The tragic incident happened in Eltham yesterday at 6.15pm on the A20 near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road.
London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance all attended.
It is not known if the unmarked police car was responding to an emergency incident at the time of the crash, with the force launching an investigation into the circumstances.
Following the shocking crash the busy road was closed for 12 hours in both directions and buses in the area had to be diverted.
Firefighters were reportedly forced to cut through the roof of the car in order to access the woman
Flowers have been left at the scene this morning after the fatal Thursday night crash
One wellwisher left this card: ‘My deepest thoughts are with you and your baby, your family and friends’
Pictures show the roof of the car scattered across the ground after it is believed firefighters were forced to cut through the vehicle to access the woman.
A second car can be seen in the image which also shows a police officer stood next to the vehicles.
Emergency service vehicles with blue lights were pictured at the scene with a police cordon set up around the incident.
An air ambulance descended on the scene but the woman’s injuries were so serious she could not be saved.
The woman’s family have been informed of her death. 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.’
A pregnant woman, 38, and her unborn baby have died after the vehicle they were in was hit by an unmarked Met police car. Investigators have marked the positions of the cars on the road
This map shows where the crash happened at 6.15pm in south east London on Thursday night
Two officers who were in the unmarked car were also taken to hospital following the collision. They have since been discharged.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving two vehicles near the junction of Eltham Road and Sidcup Road, in Eltham last night (October 17).
‘Firefighters worked to release two people who had become trapped as a result of the incident and carried out operations to make the scene safe.
‘Crews coordinated their response alongside colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police Service.
‘The Brigade was first called about the collision at 1821, and the incident was over for crews by 2009. Firefighters from Eltham and Lewisham fire stations attended the scene.’
MailOnline has approached the Independent Office for Police Conduct for comment.
