A dramatic police pursuit involving a helicopter culminated in a serious collision between a car and a London bus in Islington on Saturday afternoon. The incident followed an alleged knifepoint robbery in East London earlier the same day.
Chase Ends in Dramatic Collision on City Road
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that at around 2:15pm on Saturday, January 17, a car being pursued by officers collided with a route 38 bus on City Road, Islington. The pursuit was initiated after reports of a robbery at knifepoint on Mile End Road in Whitechapel. Police resources, including the National Police Air Service helicopter, were deployed to track the vehicle.
Arrests and Injuries Following the Crash
The driver of the car, a man in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and robbery. He sustained minor injuries which were assessed by paramedics. The bus driver also received minor injuries in the impact.
In a further development, the passenger from the car fled on foot but was subsequently apprehended by officers. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and was taken to hospital for treatment. Police are awaiting an update on his condition.
Emergency Services Response and Investigation
London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, and police all attended the scene at the junction of Islington High Street and St John Street. A spokesperson for the ambulance service stated they treated one patient and took them to hospital as a priority.
Transport for London (TfL) worked with bus operator Arriva London to recover the damaged vehicle. A TfL spokesperson said: "We are aware of a collision between a car and a route 38 bus on City Road. We will work with the operator and the Met Police to investigate the incident. Thankfully, only minor injuries have been reported."
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and have asked anyone with information to contact them quoting reference CAD 3630/17JAN.
