A cyclist is fighting for his life in hospital after being struck by an unmarked police car in South London last night.
Witnesses say the cyclist was riding a Lime bike when he was struck by the unmarked black Volvo along Long Lane, Bermondsey, close to the junction of Bermondsey Street, at around 8.55pm on Friday, June 26.
The Met Police has confirmed the collision took place and that a man in his 30s is in a critical condition in hospital.
The incident has been referred to police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), in line with procedure.
A woman who saw the aftermath of the collision told The Sun newspaper that it was a "distressing sight".
She said: “The cyclist was in a very bad way. It was really grim and distressing to actually see someone in that state.
“The medics were here within two minutes though, just as well Guy’s Hospital is just around the corner.
“The paramedics were doing work on him for about an hour on the road, it was very chilling really, we all felt pretty helpless.”
Another witness said the thought police were attending a call when the cyclist "pulled out in front" of the vehicle while doing a right turn.
He added: "They [police] was on a call, there was a cyclist… bang, that’s it…It looked like he died."
The injured man was taken to hospital by ambulance.
An elderly woman who witnessed the incident was said to be "hyperventilating" and was taken into a neighbour's garden to be cared for.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “At around 20:55hrs on Friday, 26 June, an unmarked police car responding to an emergency call collided with a cyclist on Long Lane, Bermondsey.
“The man on the bike, who is in his 30s, was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition.
“No arrests have been made and the road is now clear.
“As is standard practice, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been informed about the incident.
“The IOPC has begun an independent investigation and officers will continue to support them and their enquiries.”
