Witnesses have described a scene of 'proper carnage' after a man was run over and killed in a car crash outside a magistrates' court in north west London.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, suffered fatal injuries in the collision on Chapel Close, Willesden, shortly after 1.30pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2025. Emergency services, including dozens of police officers, rushed to the scene outside Willesden Magistrates' Court.
A second man, also in his 30s, was taken to hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. No arrests have been made and police enquiries are ongoing.
Eyewitness Accounts of 'Carnage'
Joe McPherson, 47, who was working nearby, told of hearing a loud bang and the scraping of metal. "It sounded like a nasty accident," he said. "There were quite a few people around... and they scattered. Then the police came, loads of them, and I saw cars smashed into each other – it was proper carnage."
A local security guard described grabbing a fire extinguisher and running towards a smoking black Mercedes after the impact, as two suspects fled the vehicle. He reported seeing a man on the ground receiving chest compressions, but said the victim was 'too badly injured'.
The guard alleged the collision seemed 'intentional', stating that at the 'speed of the impact, no one could have survived'.
Police Investigation and Community Impact
The road remained cordoned off on Thursday as forensic officers examined the wreckage of two vehicles. Detectives are trawling through CCTV from the area, including cameras on the court building. However, it is not currently believed the incident was connected to the court or anyone appearing there.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing in the area for the Metropolitan Police, said: "This is a distressing incident and we understand the concern it will cause for the local community. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this difficult time."
He confirmed an increased police presence in the area and appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed they were called at 12.41pm and sent multiple resources, including London's Air Ambulance. Sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The London Fire Brigade also attended.
Traffic on the busy Willesden High Road was diverted due to the closure. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
