Man dies on south London train tracks after car chase with Met Police

A man has died on the railway lines in the vicinity of Estreham Road, Streatham (Image: Newsquest)

A man, 34, died on train tracks following a car chase with Met Police officers.

On Wednesday (June 14) just after 3.25am a car heading towards Streatham High Road failed to stop for police.

Officers followed the car indicating it should stop after a pursuit was authorised.

The car crashed in Brunswick Mews, Streatham and the driver ran from the scene.

He was last seen in nearby Potters Lane before officers lost sight of him.

The police helicopter was called and the area was searched.

A man was seen lying on railway lines in the vicinity of Estreham Road.

Network Rail and British Transport Police helped to get the power to the lines turned off.

When they were safe, officers and paramedics approached and the man was pronounced dead.

His next of kin have been informed.

Officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been informed and have declared this an independent investigation.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "An investigation is under way following the death of a man who had been involved in a police pursuit in south London.

"On Wednesday, 14 June at around 03:26hrs a car heading towards Streatham High Road failed to stop for police.

"A vehicle pursuit was authorised and officers followed the car for a short time, indicating it should stop.

"The car crashed in Brunswick Mews, Streatham and the driver ran from the scene. He was last seen in nearby Potters Lane before officers lost sight of him.

"The police helicopter was called in and a search of the area was conducted. A man was seen lying on railway lines in the vicinity of Estreham Road.

"Officers liaised with Network Rail and colleagues in British Transport Police to get the power to the lines turned off.

"As soon as the lines were confirmed as safe, officers and paramedics approached the man who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

"He has been identified as a 34-year-old man. His next of kin have been informed.

"Officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed.

"The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been informed and have declared this an independent investigation."