A man in his late 30s remains in a critical condition one week after being struck by a car in Croydon, and the Metropolitan Police are investigating how signage wrongly described the incident as fatal.
Incident and current condition
Officers were called to the junction of Scarbrook Road and Wandle Road shortly after midnight on 10 July after reports of a collision involving a car and a cyclist. The cyclist, a 39-year-old man, was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries where he remains.
Driver cooperation and investigation
The driver stopped at the scene and is assisting detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit. No arrests have been made in connection with the collision.
Police signage error
In a further complication, officers put up witness-appeal boards in the area that mistakenly referred to the incident as a "fatal collision." The Met has confirmed this wording was incorrect and that the signs are being amended.
"At 12.05am on Friday, July 10, officers were called to reports of a collision involving a car and a cyclist at the junction of Scarbrook Road and Wandle Road, Croydon... The cyclist, aged 39, was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. He remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries. His next-of-kin have been informed."
The force has said it is making enquiries to understand how the error occurred and is correcting the information displayed to the public.
How residents can help
Investigators are appealing for witnesses and for anyone with dash‑cam footage to come forward. Members of the public with information are asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 3789/10JUL26.
- When: Shortly after midnight, 10 July
- Where: Junction of Scarbrook Road and Wandle Road, Croydon
- Victim: 39‑year‑old male cyclist, currently life‑threatening condition
- Police action: Driver stopped and is assisting; signage error being corrected
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident date | 10 July (shortly after midnight) |
| Location | Scarbrook Road / Wandle Road junction, Croydon |
| Police contact | 101 (quote CAD 3789/10JUL26) |
The combination of a serious road collision and the subsequent incorrect public messaging has heightened concern among local residents about both road safety and police communications. The Met’s enquiries will need to address not only the cause of the crash but also the administrative processes that led to misleading signage being displayed in the community.
Anyone who saw the collision, or has footage that could assist officers, is asked to get in touch using the details above.
