Bermondsey Police Chase Crash Leaves 13-Year-Old Girl Dead

A 13-year-old girl has died after the car she and her family were travellingt in collided with a vehicle being pursued by police in Southwark.

The teenager was traveling with her mother, father and brother in their Volkswagen Polo in South Bermondsey, southeast London, when it was hit by a Peugeot 308 being chased by a police car on 6 January.

The girl, who was in the rear of the car, died at the scene from her injuries, Scotland Yard said. Police said the patrol vehicle involved in the chase had both its sirens and lights on at the time of the incident.

The three members of the 13-year-old's family who were also travelling in the car have been taken to hospital, although their injuries are not thought serious.

The male driver of the Peugeot has been arrested and taken into custody. A female passenger was taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries.

Officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards and Traffic officers are investigating.

Commander Tony Eastaugh said: "An innocent family are now dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one.

"The Metropolitan Police has begun a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this terrible incident.

"The thoughts of our staff and officers are with the family at this time."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been informed and an IPCC investigator attended the scene to assess the circumstances.