David Clark, 35, tragically died after being struck by a marked vehicle in central London, on Wednesday, January 7. He was crossing the road when he was hit and sadly died at the scene
The devastated wife of a “devoted father” knocked down and killed by a police car has paid tribute to her loving husband.
Australian David Clark tragically died after being struck by a marked vehicle in Borough, central London, on Wednesday, January 7. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have confirmed it is investigating the incident. They said the drivers of two police vehicles stopped to give first aid, but that Mr Clark was sadly declared dead at the scene.
In a statement, Mr Clark’s wife said his death had left a “lasting void” in their lives, and that her focus was now on caring for their seven-month-old daughter.
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“My husband David was not a headline, a statistic, or a passing news story. My heart is completely broken. He was a loving husband, a devoted father to our baby daughter, a son, a brother, and a deeply cherished friend. His death has left a profound and lasting void in our lives.”
The IOPC, detailing their investigation into the incident, said Mr Clark was an Australian national living in Scunthorpe, Lincs. A statement said: “We are investigating the circumstances of a fatal road traffic incident in Southwark on 7 January, where a pedestrian sadly died in a collision with a Met Police vehicle.
“The pedestrian has been formally identified as David Clark, aged 35. Mr Clark was an Australian national who lived in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. A post-mortem has been carried out, and we are awaiting a date for the inquest opening.
“We have obtained and reviewed footage of the incident and have established that, shortly after 12.30am, two Met Police vehicles were travelling south on Borough High Street responding to an emergency call. Sirens were activated, and both police vehicles had their emergency lights on.
“As the driver of the first police vehicle passed through the junction at Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street, they were involved in a collision on the road with Mr Clark, who appeared to be crossing the road. The drivers of both police vehicles stopped at the scene and first aid was immediately provided to Mr Clark. Tragically, he was declared deceased at the scene.
“After being notified by the force of the collision, we began an independent investigation the same morning. We have obtained and reviewed CCTV and police body-worn video footage, along with accounts from the officers involved. We will be carrying out further CCTV enquiries this week near the scene.”
Mrs Clark added: “I am grateful for the compassion and kindness shown by those who have reached out with care and respect. That support has meant more to us than words can convey during an unimaginably painful time.
“An investigation into David’s death is ongoing and is not something we will be discussing. We ask that our privacy, and the privacy of our family and friends, be respected. They are also grieving and should not be approached for comment.
“Our focus is on caring for our daughter, supporting one another, and honouring David’s life away from public attention. We appreciate the understanding shown during this deeply difficult period.”
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said the watchdog had met with Mr Clark’s family. “Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Clark’s family and friends both in the UK and in Australia, and everyone affected by his death,” she said.
“We have met with his family to advise them of our investigation and they will be provided with regular updates. They have requested privacy at this difficult time.
“Given a member of the public has died in an incident involving police, it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances. Our investigation is in its early stages and the officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses.”
Friends of Mr Clark’s family have started a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of repatriating his body to Australia, which has so far raised just over £15,000.
