Residents heard a massive skid and a huge bang
(Picture: Hannah Deluce)This is the shocking moment a Mercedes dangles precariously after smashing through the barriers of a busy foot tunnel during a police chase.
Two people fled the luxury car after neighbours heard a massive skid and bang in South Lane, New Malden at 9.50pm on Monday.
The Impact of the black Mercedes, which was pursued by police after it was caught speeding on the A3, showered debris into the tunnel below.
The driver fled the crash on foot but was caught by a police officer after a short chase.
As he was being detained the driver allegedly assaulted the officer who suffered serious face injuries.
Hannah Deluce, who lives next to the crash, told the Standard: “I just heard this massive skid and then a huge bang. Two people were inside one did a runner.
“He later came back and was chased and arrested. Another was caught in or by the car. Both were taken to hospital but they are lucky to be alive.
“It’s a very busy tunnel and is in use 24/7 so extremely lucky that no one was killed.
“It’s used a lot by school children getting to and from school in the mornings and afternoon. Thankfully this happened so late.”
The car was removed by London Fire Brigade early Tuesday morning.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Officers on patrol on the A3 saw a vehicle travelling at high speeds.
“They requested the vehicle to stop but it failed to do so and continued to drive at speed before crashing into a barrier at the junction of the A3 and South Lane, Kingston.
“The driver of the car decamped but was detained by an officer following a short foot chase. As he was being detained, the driver assaulted the officer and left him with facial injuries.
“He was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and grievous bodily harm.
“A second man was arrested at the scene and later released under investigation.”
