Two Metropolitan Police officers have been charged following a devastating crash that killed a heavily pregnant 38-year-old woman and her unborn child in south-east London. The incident took place on October 17, 2024, on Eltham Road near Kidbrooke, when the woman’s car collided with unmarked police vehicles.The unborn child was declared dead at the scene, while the woman later succumbed to her injuries in hospital, authorities said.
Charges against serving and former officers
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has charged Police Constable Chris Johnson, 56, with causing death by dangerous driving. Johnson was driving one of the police vehicles involved in the collision and is currently attached to the Met’s Taskforce unit.Former PC Danny Tomkins, 35, who was driving a second police vehicle at the time, has been charged with dangerous driving related to the standard of his driving.Both officers are scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 28.
Probe by police watchdog
The charges follow a detailed investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which launched a probe after a mandatory referral from the Metropolitan Police. The watchdog submitted its findings to the CPS in October 2025 after completing its inquiry.CPS special crime division head Malcolm McHaffie said prosecutors found sufficient evidence and determined that pursuing the case was in the public interest.
Police response and caution over trial
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent James Derham, who leads policing in Greenwich, expressed condolences to the victim’s family, calling the incident “truly terrible and heartbreaking.”He added that due to ongoing legal proceedings, further comments would be inappropriate to avoid prejudicing the case.
