A 53-year-old cyclist remains in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by an unmarked police car in Bermondsey, South East London, sparking widespread concern and scrutiny. The incident on Monday morning has prompted an immediate response from emergency services and the launch of an independent investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The collision occurred at approximately 7:45 AM on Monday, 20 May, on Southwark Park Road, near the junction with Reverdy Road. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended the scene, treating the cyclist before transporting him to a major trauma centre for emergency treatment.
The IOPC has commenced an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, gathering evidence from the scene and reviewing statements from witnesses. As standard procedure dictates in incidents involving police vehicles, the IOPC's presence at the scene was confirmed, with their officers working to understand the full facts of what occurred.
Road closures were put in place for several hours following the incident, causing disruption to local traffic and public transport. The road has since reopened, but the investigation by the IOPC is ongoing, with details regarding the unmarked police car's operation at the time of the collision yet to be released.
The Metropolitan Police Service has assured full cooperation with the IOPC investigation, with officers involved in the incident providing statements as part of the inquiry. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses, and the community remains anxious for answers regarding this disturbing incident.