Werribee Man Dies After Being Struck by UK Police Vehicle

A man who died after being struck by a police vehicle responding to an emergency in south London has been identified as David Clark, originally from Werribee .

Metropolitan Police said the incident occurred on Borough High Street in Southwark shortly after 12:30am on 7 January, when a marked police vehicle on an emergency call was involved in a collision with a pedestrian.

Mr Clark, aged 35, was an Australian national who had been living in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. Police officers provided immediate first aid at the scene before paramedics arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the location.

The collision is being independently investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Investigators said two police vehicles were travelling south on Borough High Street responding to an emergency call, with sirens activated and emergency lights on.

As the first vehicle passed through the junction of Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street, it was involved in a collision with Mr Clark, who appeared to be crossing the road. Both drivers stopped immediately and first aid was provided.

A post-mortem examination has since been completed, and an inquest is expected to open at a later date.

In a public statement, Mr Clark’s wife thanked the community for the support shown to her and their baby daughter following his death.

“I want to say thank you, even though I don’t know that there are words big enough to hold everything I feel right now,” she said. “I have been overwhelmed in the truest sense by the messages, the calls, the kind words, and the love that has surrounded my baby girl and me.”

She said she had not had the strength to respond to everyone individually but wanted people to know their messages had been received. “Please know that every message has reached me and meant more than I can express.”

Describing the impact of her husband’s death, she said: “My heart is completely broken. Losing David has shattered my world in ways I am still trying to understand.”

She said the support she had received had helped her cope during the days following the incident. “The generosity, the care, the practical support, and the quiet acts of love have made it possible for me to focus on holding my daughter and taking each breath as it comes.”

Thanking those who had offered assistance, she added: “To everyone who has donated, shared our story, checked in, cooked meals, sent messages, or simply held us in their thoughts — thank you. Your support has been a lifeline.”

The IOPC confirmed it began an independent investigation the same morning it was notified of the collision. CCTV footage, police body-worn video and accounts from the officers involved have been obtained and reviewed, with further CCTV enquiries continuing near the scene.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said the organisation’s sympathies were with Mr Clark’s family and friends in both the UK and Australia. She said an independent investigation was necessary given a member of the public had died in an incident involving police.

The investigation remains at an early stage, and the officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses.