The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation after a heavily pregnant woman and her unborn child were killed in a collision with an unmarked police car in south London.

The Metropolitan police said an unmarked vehicle collided with a car on the A20 in Eltham, south-east London, at about 6.15pm on Thursday near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road.

The 38-year-old woman who was in the other car and her unborn child died of their injuries. Two officers who were in the unmarked car were taken to hospital but have since been discharged.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the force said.

A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating the incident. The IOPC said the woman was driving alone at the time of the collision.

They added: “We can confirm that we have started an independent investigation into the circumstances of a fatal collision involving Met police in south-east London last night (17 October).

“We were notified that an unmarked police vehicle was in collision with a member of public’s vehicle at around 6.15pm on the A20, near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road, Eltham, SE9.

“We understand that the driver, and sole occupant, of the vehicle was a heavily pregnant woman. Ambulance and fire services attended, and she was given treatment. The woman and her baby sadly both died.

“We sent investigators to the scene and post-incident process to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in the very early stages.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who has died and all of those affected by this tragic incident.”

DCS Trevor Lawry, in charge of policing in Greenwich, said: “My heart goes out to the woman’s family and friends who have lost their loved ones in these tragic circumstances.

“An investigation into the circumstances of this collision is under way by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and we will assist with their inquiries in any way we can.”

“A road closure will remain at the scene today and I am grateful for the patience of the local motorists, who will need to use alternative routes.”

Locals on social media described the junction where the collision took place as “lethal”.

One commenter wrote: “This junction is absolutely lethal since they changed the layout. The people in the wrong lane (the one to turn right) don’t even acknowledge they are in the wrong lane. They don’t indicate or apologise, just plough on.”

Another added: “This road is an absolute joke and the markings are awful as well. Such a tragic incident.”

Another commenter said: “This is tragic. Who do we contact about [the road]? They need to take it seriously because there will just continue to be harm to people.”