Two Metropolitan Police officers have been charged in connection with a collision on October 17, 2024, that resulted in the deaths of a 38-year-old heavily pregnant woman and her unborn child. PC Johnson, currently with the Met's Taskforce, and former PC Tomkins, also previously attached to the same unit, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 28.
The incident occurred on the A20, near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road in Kidbrooke, south-east London. The crash involved an unmarked police car. Reports suggest the police vehicle was travelling at 80mph in a 40mph zone, reportedly overtaking traffic while in pursuit of a stolen motorcycle, according to details emerging from an inquest. The IOPC's investigation concluded in October last year, leading to these charges.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) led the investigation. While PC Johnson was driving the vehicle involved in the direct collision, former PC Tomkins faces charges relating to his "alleged manner of driving" as he was driving a second unmarked police car. The IOPC has also investigated both officers for potential gross misconduct, and a third officer, a passenger in one of the police vehicles, for potential misconduct.
Read More: Victoria Police investigate Katy Perry over 2010 Melbourne assault claim
"Following a thorough review of the evidence in this case, we have authorised criminal charges against one current and one former police officer." - Malcolm McHaffie, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime division.
The family of the deceased woman has requested privacy and has asked not to be named. Emergency services, including London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, and London's Air Ambulance, attended the scene at approximately 6:15 PM BST.
The core of the matter revolves around the speed and manner of driving of the police vehicles. Preliminary data indicated that emergency equipment, including lights and sirens, was activated on both police vehicles at the time of the incident. Eyewitness accounts describe the woman's car flipping multiple times after being struck. The CPS Special Crime Division handled the review of this complex case.
Read More: New 'Cicada' COVID Variant May Affect Children More in London
