Camberwell police crash: Manhunt after officer left with suspected broken pelvis in car ram smash

A manhunt is under way for one of two suspects whose vehicle rammed a police car , leaving one officer with potentially life-changing injuries in south London.

She was one of four Metropolitan Police officers hurt at lunchtime on Tuesday in Draycott Close, Camberwell. Firefighters had to cut her free from the wreckage.

The 28-year-old driver of the suspects’ vehicle has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. His accomplice fled on foot.

Witnesses said it was a “miracle anyone survived” as two unmarked police cars in pursuit collided with the vehicle they were chasing.

Hayley Harris, 27, who lives nearby, said the female officer was “screaming in pain” as she was pulled out. She added: “It was horrible.”

The woman officer, the driver, remains in hospital with a suspected broken pelvis, along with another officer with injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Two other officers have been discharged with minor injuries, the Metropolitan Police said.

Another officer sustained minor injuries in the arrest of the 28-year-old who was arrested in hospital on suspicion of attempted murder.

Another man, who was also in his vehicle, is believed to have fled the scene in Draycott Close, near to the junction with Edmund Street, in Southwark shortly before 1.30pm

A number of roads remain closed while emergency services, including London Ambulance Service and the air ambulance, attend.

Eyewitness Terry Pender, 32, said: “I heard a boom or what I thought was a thunder clap. I looked out and it was carnage.

“A woman police officer looked badly injured in the car. One of the other officers was holding her hand and trying to help her. It was chaos.

“An air ambulance came and more police than I have ever seen. They had to cut the woman officer from the car. It was horrendous.”

Cristina Guerra, 35, added: “Two unmarked cars were chasing a car with two suspects. There was a smash and officers chased the two men on foot.

“A woman police officer looked really hurt. There was a lot of concern. The police car was totally wrecked. How anyone survived is a miracle.”

Abraha Kibrom said: “There was a noise like an explosion. It was terrifying. There was wreckage everywhere.”

Another witness said: “There was a male officer injured on the pavement. They were giving him chest compressions. It was like a battlefield.”

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Met Police Federation, said: “Officers are being attacked every day in London. It’s not right and it has to stop.”

The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.

Detectives from Central South CID are investigating supported by colleagues from the Roads and Transport Policing Command.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call 101, quoting reference CAD 3656/20 Oct, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.