A police pursuit in east London ended in a crash that left nine people injured, with five sustaining serious injuries. The incident occurred early on Tuesday near the junction of Barley Lane and High Road in Ilford.
Details of the Pursuit
The Metropolitan Police stated that officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be stolen. The driver failed to comply, leading to a brief chase before the car collided with another vehicle. Ten individuals, including occupants of both cars and a motor scooter rider, received medical attention at the scene. Nine were transported to hospitals, according to the London Ambulance Service (LAS).
Injuries and Arrests
Among the injured, five people aged between 14 and 46 suffered serious injuries. The driver of the pursued vehicle, a woman in her 20s, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft, and failing to stop. She remains hospitalized. Four passengers from the stolen vehicle—a woman in her 40s, a teenage girl, and two men in their 20s—were also arrested on suspicion of being in a stolen vehicle and are still in the hospital.
The LAS deployed an air ambulance and a hazardous areas response team, though the reason for the specialist team was not disclosed. A spokesperson said, "We treated 10 patients at the scene and took nine to hospital. One person declined further aid."
Ongoing Investigation
The Met Police has appealed for information and stated that the junction will remain closed in all directions while inquiries continue. Authorities are urging anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward.
