Mob chants 'murderer' as prison van runs down and kills woman 'trying to block its path'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The victim is said to have been blocking the path of the Serco security van in Brixton and goading the driver.

He was arrested and questioned by police on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Witnesses told how the woman "danced" in the road and stopped the vehicle at the Brixton Hill crossing at 5.45pm yesterday, shouting at the driver and slapping at the bonnet.

Scroll down for more...

The scene in South London where a woman was run over and killed by a prison van and a mob surrounded the vehicle, forcing the driver to lock himself in the cab

Some claimed that, as the lights turned green, the van shot forward and hit her.

An angry mob surrounded the van, banging on its sides, shouting "murderer, murderer", forcing the driver to lock himself in the cab.

Medical staff treated the woman in the road but could not save her.

One witness, student Dennis Gyamfi, 18, said: "She'd stepped into the road and was gesturing at the van and other people.

"I don't know if the driver knew if he'd struck her but there were people trying to stop him because she was being dragged down the road. She ended up underneath its back wheels."

Samuel Joseph, a 30-year-old media worker from Clapham, added: "There were about 100 people, all looking under the van and taking photos. They weren't trying to help, just gawping. It was sick. Then it started to turn nasty.

"They were pointing their camera phones into the driver's face and shouting, 'You're a murderer! You've killed her!' They were chanting 'murderer' and gesturing at him.

"He was just sat there with his head in his hands and looked in an absolute state. He wouldn't get out of the van and I don't blame him in that situation, with that hostile reaction."

A shop worker, who would not be named, said the woman was often seen in the area: "The woman was always dancing in the road. She was one of a group of people always drinking in the gardens across from the library. She used to dance outside the shops and in front of cars."

After being questioned the driver was released but was told to return to the police station later today. Detectives are examining the van and CCTV images of the road.

A second Serco van had to be brought to ferry the 11 prisoners back to Brixton jail.

A Serco spokesman said: "Our heartfelt sympathies are with the family of this woman. We are cooperating fully with the police investigation."