Two officers from the Metropolitan Police have been charged in connection with a crash that claimed the lives of a heavily pregnant woman and her unborn child in south-east London.
Gatekeepers News reports that PC Chris Johnson has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, while former PC Danny Tomkins faces a charge of dangerous driving following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The incident occurred on 17 October 2024 on the A20 near the junction with Kidbrooke Park in Kidbrooke. The 38-year-old woman’s unborn child died at the scene, while she later died in hospital.
According to the IOPC, Johnson was driving the unmarked police vehicle involved in the collision, while the charge against Tomkins relates to his “alleged manner of driving” in a second vehicle. The watchdog said its investigation into the incident concluded in October last year.
Both men are scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 28 May.
Reacting to the development, Acting Detective Chief Superintendent James Derham expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
“Our thoughts remain with the woman’s family and friends, who continue to grieve the loss of her and her unborn child. This was a truly terrible and heartbreaking incident,” he said.
He added that the police had worked closely with the IOPC throughout what he described as a “thorough and complex investigation.”
“It is important that nothing is said that could prejudice the court proceedings that will now follow, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage,” Derham stated.
