Three Metropolitan Police Officers Injured in East London Hit-and-Run Incident
Three Metropolitan Police officers were injured in a hit-and-run incident that occurred during a police pursuit in the Havering area of East London. The incident unfolded on Friday, February 13, at approximately 4:40 PM in Rainham, when a patrol team attempted to pull over a grey Vauxhall Astra for erratic driving.
Chaotic Chase and Collision Details
The grey Vauxhall Astra, driven by an unidentified individual, began driving erratically upon being signaled to stop by the police. During the ensuing chase, the vehicle collided with multiple other cars on the road, causing significant damage and escalating the danger to public safety.
The pursuit culminated on Mungo Park Road, where the Vauxhall Astra crashed directly into the police car involved in the chase. Immediately after the collision, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the residential street on foot, evading capture as backup police units arrived at the scene.
Officer Injuries and Medical Assessment
The three injured officers included two male officers attached to the Roads and Transport Policing Command and one female officer from the North Area Command Unit. Paramedics assessed all three officers at the scene for their injuries.
According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, the injuries sustained by the officers are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. This confirmation provides some relief amid the serious nature of the incident, though the officers' conditions remain under medical review.
Abandoned Vehicle and Ongoing Investigation
The grey Vauxhall Astra was found abandoned nearby a short time after the hit-and-run, but the driver remains at large and has not been arrested. Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Acting Detective Sergeant Michael Carroll, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the importance of public assistance. "Our investigation is continuing and we are now appealing for witnesses and those with any relevant information to come forward and help us establish the circumstances of what happened," he stated.
Appeal for Witnesses and Footage
Authorities are particularly interested in obtaining any dashcam footage or CCTV recordings from local premises that may have captured the incident. Such evidence could be crucial in identifying the driver and reconstructing the events leading to the hit-and-run.
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact the police on 101, quoting reference CAD5514/13FEB26. For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crimestoppers via 0800 55 111.
The Metropolitan Police continue to prioritize this case, seeking to bring the perpetrator to justice and ensure community safety in the Havering area.
