In the early hours of January 7, a tragic incident unfolded on Borough High Street in Southwark, as reported by the UK Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). At approximately 12:30 a.m., two Metropolitan Police vehicles, responding to an emergency, were traveling south with their sirens wailing and lights flashing.

As the first police car navigated through a junction, it tragically collided with a pedestrian, later identified as 35-year-old David Clark. According to the IOPC, it appears that Clark was in the process of crossing the road when the accident occurred.

Both officers driving the vehicles immediately halted to administer first aid to Clark. Despite their efforts, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The incident underscores the inherent risks of emergency responses and the profound impact on all those involved.

The IOPC said it appeared Clark was crossing the road.

Both police drivers stopped and provided first aid, but Clark was declared dead at the scene.

He was survived by his wife and infant child, with whom he lived in Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Clark’s family and friends both in the UK and in Australia, and everyone affected by his death,” IOPC director Amanda Rowe said.

“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.”

She said the IOPC would carrry out an “independent investigation” into the crash, with the officers involved currently being treated as witnesses.

An online fundraiser for Clark’s family, set up by family friend Teresa Samuels, has raised over £14,700 (over $29,000).

“He was supporting his family alone while his wife was taking care of their baby,” the organiser wrote.

“This fund is to help her look after his little girl as well.”

A later post on the page appears to be from Clark’s wife, expressing both her sorrow and her thankfulness to all who donated.

“Losing David has shattered my world in ways I am still trying to understand,” she said.

“And yet, in the middle of this unbearable pain, I have felt an outpouring of kindness that has carried us through moments when I didn’t think I could keep going.”