The wife of a man killed in a collision with a police car in central London has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her husband, describing him as a devoted father whose death has left a "profound and lasting void".
Details of the Fatal Incident
David Clark, a 35-year-old Australian national living in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, was struck by a marked Metropolitan Police vehicle in the Borough area of London. The collision occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, January 7, on Borough High Street.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it has launched an independent investigation. Its initial findings indicate that two police vehicles were travelling south on Borough High Street shortly after 12:30am, responding to an emergency call with both sirens and emergency lights activated.
As the first vehicle passed through the junction with Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street, it collided with Mr Clark, who appeared to be crossing the road. Officers from both vehicles stopped to provide first aid, but Mr Clark was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family's Heartfelt Tribute and Call for Privacy
In a moving statement, Mr Clark's wife said her priority is now caring for their seven-month-old daughter. "My husband David was not a headline, a statistic, or a passing news story," she said. "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."
She expressed gratitude for the support received but requested privacy for her family and friends, who are also grieving. "Our focus is on caring for our daughter, supporting one another, and honouring David's life away from public attention," the statement concluded.
Ongoing IOPC Investigation
The police watchdog has confirmed it is in the early stages of its investigation. Amanda Rowe, IOPC Director, stated: "Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Clark's family and friends both in the UK and in Australia, and everyone affected by his death."
The IOPC has met with Mr Clark's family to advise them of the investigation and will provide regular updates. Investigators have already obtained and reviewed CCTV and police body-worn video footage and taken accounts from the officers involved, who are currently being treated as witnesses. Further CCTV enquiries near the scene are planned.
A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and the IOPC is awaiting a date for the opening of the inquest into Mr Clark's death.
