Inquiry into '999' car which killed woman

Sandra Simpson, 61, died in front of her husband and son after she was run over by the Metropolitan Police car.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating why the driver of the marked police car was using his flashing blue lights and had the siren on before the crash.

A spokeswoman would not comment on claims that the officer was ferrying a takeaway to colleagues but said the policeman had been taken off driving duties.

Mrs Simpson, known as Sandy, died at the scene in Homesdale Road, Bromley, after Saturday evening's smash.

A source told The Sun: "We were told it was a young driver who recently passed his police driving qualification. He had his sirens and blue lights on but there was never any 999 call. He had gone out to get a takeaway for his mates."

Ruth Oswald, 53, who saw the crash, said: "I heard the siren and then a bang. It was just horrific. The woman was lying in the road and the officer who'd been driving was leaning over her. He looked like he was in shock and didn't know what to do."

Another witness, Alan Headlam, 56, said: "An older man was shouting 'you have killed my wife' and a younger man shouted 'you've killed my mum.'"

Mike Franklin, IPCC Commissioner, said: "I send my deep sympathies to the family of the deceased at this difficult time.

"The IPCC will carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident."