Key Points
- David Clark, 35, an Australian national living in Scunthorpe or Winteringham, North Lincolnshire, died after being struck by a marked Metropolitan Police (Met Police) vehicle responding to an emergency call.
- The fatal collision occurred shortly after 12:30am (variously reported as 12:30am, 12:34am or 00:34 GMT) on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, on Borough High Street in South London (Southwark Borough), at the junction with Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street.
- Two Met Police vehicles were travelling southbound with blue lights and sirens activated when the lead vehicle collided with David Clark, who appeared to be crossing the road.
- Officers from both vehicles stopped immediately, provided first aid alongside London Ambulance Service paramedics, but Mr Clark was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
- A post-mortem examination has been conducted, with an inquest opening date pending.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an independent investigation on 7 January 2026 (notified at around 04:20 GMT), dispatching investigators to the scene and police post-incident procedures.
- IOPC Director Amanda Rowe expressed deepest sympathies to Mr Clark’s family and friends in the UK and Australia; the family met with IOPC investigators, requested privacy, and will receive regular updates.
- Officers involved (driver and passenger in the first vehicle) are treated as witnesses; no arrests made, and they remain on restricted duties pending inquiry.
- Met Police Directorate of Professional Standards notified; cordons established on Borough High Street causing local traffic disruption (now lifted).
- Mr Clark described as a “devoted father” and “dedicated father” in some reports; next-of-kin informed and supported by specialist family liaison officers.
Southwark, South London (MyLondon News) – 15 January 2026 – David Clark, a 35-year-old Australian national residing in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, has been publicly named as the man fatally struck by a Metropolitan Police car responding to an emergency call in South London. The incident unfolded shortly after 12:30am on 7 January 2026 on Borough High Street at the junction with Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street, where two marked police vehicles with sirens and blue lights activated collided with Mr Clark as he crossed the road. Despite immediate first aid from officers and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting an independent IOPC investigation.
What Exactly Happened on Borough High Street?
As initially reported by MyLondon News, two Met Police vehicles were southbound on Borough High Street responding to an emergency when the first vehicle passed through the junction, striking David Clark who “appeared to be crossing the road”. ITV News detailed that the collision occurred “shortly after 12:30am on Wednesday 7 January,” with sirens activated and emergency lights on; both drivers stopped to render first aid, but Mr Clark was declared deceased at the scene.
BBC News reported the time as 00:34 GMT on 7 January, confirming officers and paramedics attended but could not save him. Southwark News specified 12:34am, noting a man in his 30s received emergency first aid from officers before paramedics arrived, yet “sadly died at the scene” with cordons remaining and traffic disrupted. The IOPC, as per their official statement, confirmed investigators were sent to gather evidence from the scene and post-incident procedures.
Who Was David Clark and Where Did He Live?
David Clark, 35, was an Australian national living in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, according to MyLondon and ITV News. BBC News identified his residence as Winteringham, North Lincolnshire, describing him as a “devoted father” and “dedicated father” who succumbed despite treatment. Next-of-kin were informed immediately, receiving support from specialist officers, as stated by a Met Police spokesperson in Southwark News. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as conveyed by IOPC Director Amanda Rowe.
Why Did the IOPC Launch an Investigation?
Standard protocol mandates IOPC involvement in any death following police contact. Southwark News reported the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and IOPC were notified, with the IOPC beginning an independent probe. BBC News noted the IOPC was informed Wednesday morning (7 January) and started evidence collection at 04:20 GMT. ITV News confirmed a post-mortem was carried out, awaiting an inquest date.
What Did IOPC Director Amanda Rowe State?
As reported by MyLondon News, IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said:
“Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Clark’s family and friends both in the UK and in Australia, and everyone affected by his death. 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”.
ITV News quoted her identically, adding:
“Given a member of the public has died in an incident involving police, it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances. Our investigation is in its early stages and the officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses”.
How Did the Officers Respond Immediately After the Collision?
Both police vehicles stopped at the scene. MyLondon noted the driver passed the junction before impact. ITV specified first aid was “immediately provided” by drivers. BBC confirmed officers administered first aid alongside paramedics. Southwark News stated the pedestrian “was given emergency first aid by officers before being treated by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service”.
What Is the Current Status of the Officers?
The officers are “currently being treated as witnesses,” per IOPC Director Amanda Rowe in MyLondon and ITV reports. No identities or further details released. BBC and Southwark News implied full cooperation via post-incident procedures.
When and Where Will the Inquest Be Held?
A post-mortem has been completed, but no inquest date set, as per ITV News. Coroner’s proceedings typically open within two weeks, incorporating IOPC findings.
What Disruptions Occurred Locally in South London?
Cordons were established on Borough High Street, disrupting local traffic, according to Southwark News and Met Police via BBC. These have since been lifted.
Are There Any Witness Appeals Related to This Incident?
No direct appeals for this collision in reviewed sources, unlike unrelated Croydon and Lambeth cases. Focus remains on IOPC evidence gathering, including potential CCTV.
How Does This Incident Compare to Other Recent South London Collisions?
Separate from this case, Inside Croydon reported a 5 January pedestrian head injury on Brighton Road, South Croydon; driver bailed. Met News noted a 9 December Lambeth fatal involving an 11-year-old girl, driver bailed. Detective Sergeant Rob Groombridge appealed for dashcam in Croydon. These highlight ongoing road safety concerns but are distinct.
What Broader Implications Arise for Met Police Emergency Responses?
The Telegraph noted the man in his 30s was hit “shortly after 12.30am on Wednesday” by a marked car on a 999 call. IOPC’s independence ensures scrutiny of blue-light protocols amid rare but high-profile fatalities.
What Support Is Available for Mr Clark’s Family?
Specialist officers support next-of-kin, per Southwark News. IOPC family liaison provides updates, respecting privacy requests.
Where in South London Did This Take Place and Why Is It Significant?
Borough High Street in Southwark, near Borough Market and Guy’s Hospital, is a busy route. The junction’s role in emergency access amplifies scrutiny.
