An Australian man has died after he was hit by a police vehicle which was racing to an emergency call in London.

David Clark, 35, was struck by the emergency vehicle as he crossed the road in Southwark on January 7 shortly after 12.30am.

Mr Clark, who lived in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, was crossing the road near the junction of Borough High Street and Trinity Street when the accident happened.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said he was hit by one of two police vehicles responding to an emergency call.

Video, not released by the IOPC, shows the two Metropolitan Police vehicles travelling south on Borough High Street.

Sirens were activated and both cars had their emergency lights on.

‘As the driver of the first police vehicle passed through the junction at Great Suffolk Street and Trinity Street, they were involved in a collision on the road with Mr Clark, who appeared to be crossing the road.

‘The drivers of both police vehicles stopped at the scene and first aid was immediately provided to Mr Clark.

David Clark, 35, died after being hit by a police vehicle which was racing to an emergency call in London

Mr Clark, an Australian national who lived in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, was crossing the road when he was involved in the collision

‘Tragically, he was declared deceased at the scene.’

The IOPC said a post-mortem examination has been carried out and the watchdog is waiting for a date for an inquest to be opened.

It said an investigation began on the morning as the collision, and CCTV and police body-worn video footage have already been reviewed, along with accounts from the officers involved.

Further CCTV inquiries near the scene are continuing this week.

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: ‘Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Clark’s family and friends both in the UK and in Australia, and everyone affected by his death.

‘We have met with his family to advise them of our investigation and they will be provided with regular updates. They have requested privacy at this difficult time.

‘Given a member of the public has died in an incident involving police, it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances.

‘Our investigation is in its early stages and the officers involved are currently being treated as witnesses.’