An individual that was fatally struck by a police car in London has been identified as an Australian man.
The UK Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the incident occurred at about 12.30am on January 7, when two Metropolitan Police cars were travelling south on Borough High Street in Southwark.
The vehicles were responding to an emergency call and had their sirens and lights activated.
The IOPC said the first police car struck a man since identified as David Clark, 35, as it passed through a junction, with early indications suggesting he was crossing the road at the time.
Both police drivers stopped immediately and provided first aid, however Clark was pronounced dead at the scene.
Clark lived in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, and is survived by his wife and infant child.
“Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Clark’s family and friends both in the UK and in Australia, and everyone affected by his death,” IOPC director Amanda Rowe said.
“We have met with his family to advise them of our investigation and they will be provided with regular updates. They have requested privacy at this difficult time.”
Rowe said the IOPC would carry out an “independent investigation” into the crash, with the officers involved currently being treated as witnesses.
An online fundraiser established by family friend Teresa Samuels to support Mr Clark’s family has raised more than £14,700 (over $29,000).
“He was supporting his family alone while his wife was taking care of their baby,” the organiser wrote.
“This fund is to help her look after his little girl as well.”
A later post on the fundraising page, appearing to be written by Clark’s wife, expressed both her grief and gratitude to those who donated.
“Losing David has shattered my world in ways I am still trying to understand,” she said.
“And yet, in the middle of this unbearable pain, I have felt an outpouring of kindness that has carried us through moments when I didn’t think I could keep going.”
Images: GoFundMe
