Mariam Ahmed, 38, was turning off the A210 into Sutcliffe Park when the police Volvo crashed into her car causing it to flip several times.
An emergency C-section was performed at the roadside in an attempt to save her baby but there were no signs of life.
Mariam was taken to King’s College Hospital where she was pronounced dead just hours later.
The police car was overtaking traffic in pursuit of a rider of a stolen motorbike and is believed to have been travelling at 80mph on the 40mph road before the crash.
Two Met Police officers are under criminal investigation for potential driving offences including causing death by dangerous driving.
An inquest was opened into Mariam’s death at Inner South London Coroner’s Court last Wednesday (January 29).
Senior Coroner Julian Morris confirmed that Mariam died on October 17 following an accident earlier in the day.
Stephanie Smith, the case manager for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), then summarised the circumstances of her death as they are understood at this point.
Ms Smith said: “At approximately 6.15pm on October 17, 2024, two unmarked police vehicles were being driven west on Eltham road, south east London, with lights and sirens activated heading in pursuit of a lost or stolen motorcycle.
“Meanwhile Ms Ahmed, who was 39 weeks pregnant with a full-term baby, was driving her vehicle westbound along the A210 between Yorkshire Grey Roundabout and Texaco.
“The police vehicles were travelling in the same direction behind Ms Ahmed’s vehicle. Both police vehicles moved into the offside carriageway and began to overtake the slow-moving traffic which Ms Ahmed was part of.
“Ms Ahmed indicated right to turn into Sutcliffe Park. The first police vehicle passed Ms Ahmed, at which point she began taking the right turn, at which point the second police vehicle collided into the driver’s side of Ms Ahmed’s vehicle.”
Witnesses reported seeing her vehicle flip several times, Ms Smith said.
Mariam remained in the car as her legs were believed to be trapped in the footwell.
As fire and ambulance services arrived at the scene and plans were being made to extract her from the car, Mariam entered cardiac arrest.
She was extracted from the vehicle and an emergency C-section was performed at roadside but the baby was pronounced dead at 7.43pm.
“Ms Ahmed was taken to King’s College Hospital where she tragically died from her injuries and life was pronounced extinct at 9.15pm,” Ms Smith said.
The crash took place on the A210 as Mariam went to turn right into Sutcliffe Park (Image: Google Maps) A criminal investigation into the drivers of both police cars is ongoing, the inquest heard.
Ms Smith said: “At present, data gathered from the police vehicle which collided with Ms Ahmed’s car suggests it was travelling at a speed of 80mph upon approach, at which point breaks were applied and the speed at the time of impact was around 50mph.
“The exact speeds are to be confirm and calibrated as part of the investigation process.
“The IOPC are carrying out a criminal investigation into the drivers of both vehicles for driving offences including death by dangerous driving, and a misconduct only investigation relating to the passenger which collided with Ms Ahmed’s vehicle for failing to challenge the manner of driving.”
The IOPC requested that the inquest be adjourned until a later date.
Senior Coroner Dr Morris said: “Given the circumstances around Ms Ahmed’s death I’m going to open an inquest accordingly and I will agree to adjourn that inquest pending the outcome of those IOPC investigations and any decisions which arise following the completion of those investigations.”
Flowers left at the scene of the crash (Image: PA) In the aftermath of the collision flowers were left for Mariam outside Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre.
One tribute read: “Mariam – the most amazing wife, mummy, daughter, sister and friend.
“Having you in our lives was such a blessing.
“You were a real-life angel on earth and our lives will never be the same again. We promise to always look after your family.
“Baby – we never got to meet you but we know that you and mummy are together looking after each other, you will always be in our hearts.
“Sleep tight our friend and bubba. We love you beyond words.”
Witnesses are asked to contact IOPC investigators by calling 03003035610 or emailing ElthamRoad@policeconduct.gov.uk