Mercedes hits pedestrians after police chase in Whitechapel

Four pedestrians were rushed to hospital after they were hit by a Mercedes being pursued by police.

City of London Police were in a “short pursuit” with the car that failed to stop for officers along Fieldgate Street in Whitechapel at around 11.45pm on Wednesday (August 23).

The Mercedes then mounted the pavement and hit four pedestrians, who were subsequently rushed to hospital by emergency services.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police, which is responsible for policing the area where the crash happened, said that all four were in a serious but stable condition.

Two teenage boys, aged 16 and 19, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving, burglary and firearms offences.

Commander Umer Khan from the City of London Police confirmed that the crash has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Footage from the scene showed a damaged car mounted on a bollard, with debris strewn across the road.

An IOPC spokesperson said yesterday (August 24): “We can confirm that we are assessing a road traffic incident involving a Mercedes car which was in collision with pedestrians in east London last night.

“We were advised the collision took place at around 11.55pm in Fieldgate Street, Whitechapel, E1 following a short pursuit by a marked City of London Police vehicle after the driver failed to stop for officers.

“A short time later it mounted the pavement and was in collision with four pedestrians who suffered serious injuries.

“After being notified by the force we sent investigators to the scene and to the police post incident procedure where the officers involved provided their initial accounts.

“We have requested further information from the force and once received, we will determine what further action may be required from us.”

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact 101, quoting reference CAD 9316/23AUG23, or the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Chadwell Heath Traffic Garage on 020 8597 4874.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.

Some reporting by PA.