TWO cops face a criminal probe over a horror crash that killed a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
The 38-year-old woman’s car collided with an unmarked police car on the A20 in Eltham, south east London on Sunday.
FacebookThe aftermath of the horror crash on the A20 in Eltham, south east London[/caption]
UKNIPThe IOPC police watchdog is probing the smash[/caption]
London News PicturesTyre tracks marked on the road by the police at the junction[/caption]
PAFlowers at the scene near the A20 and Kidbrooke Park Road in Eltham, south-east London[/caption]
She was in the full-term of her pregnancy and died along with her unborn baby.
It has now emerged that two unmarked police vehicles were driving through Eltham on their way to an unrelated case at around 6.15pm.
One of the two vehicles collided with the woman’s car on the Eltham Road thoroughfare.
Both police cars had their lights and sirens on as they raced at around 70mph down the road before the smash.
The officers driving both cars have been told they are under criminal investigation for potential driving offences.
The alleged offences include death by dangerous driving, the IOPC police watchdog said.
Both officers are also being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
A third cop who was travelling as a passenger in the car involved in the smash is being probed over potential misconduct.
Witness Abubakar said: “When it happened the husband came and he realised it was his wife.
“He said ‘My wife, she’s heavily pregnant’. He was holding her hand, trying to talk to her. He was very calm.”
IOPC investigators are combing through police dash cam footage, Scotland Yard logs, witness statements and local CCTV.
They have also brought in a forensic car crash expert to probe the case.
Formal identification has taken place but the woman’s family have asked that she is not named.
An inquest into the tragic deaths had been planned for last week, but is being re-scheduled.
IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “The deaths of the woman and her baby are tragic.
“Our thoughts remain with her family and friends, and all of those affected.
“We have met with the woman’s family to explain our role and we will provide them with regular updates as our investigation progresses.
“The woman’s family have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.”
In a statement, Palmer added: “This was a devastating incident on a busy road.
“Our investigators are working hard to establish all of the circumstances leading up to the collision and the actions of the officers involved.
“At the end of our investigation we will decide whether to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider possible criminal charges.
“They will also decide whether any officers should face disciplinary proceedings.”
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