Four people were injured with one left fighting for their life after a car being chased by police ploughed into them outside an east London mosque, on Wednesday night.
City of London officers were pursuing a vehicle which hit the group in Fieldgate Street near Whitechapel at 11.54pm.
It is not known whether the four were associated with the mosque.
Three victims are believed to be seriously hurt while the fourth suffered life-threatening injuries.
Horrific footage of the aftermath shows paramedics working on the victims surrounded by debris.
Two of the victims appear to console each other in the wreckage as they await first aid.
The silver Mercedes appears to have careered through benches in the square outside a Tesco Express before ending up on top of a planter.
A witness to the aftermath told The Standard: “I was literally standing one street away when I heard what sounded like an explosion.
“I heard the crash and the sirens within seconds so it was possibly a chase for how quick they were at the scene.”
He added: “I went to see if I could help as I’m first aid trained but police told me get back.
“I saw young lads in handcuffs and loads of armed police. One man didn’t look too good at all there was loads of blood coming from a bad head injury.
“I just pray the victims are all going to be OK.”
Police said two people were arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving, burglary and firearms offences.
Commander Umer Khan, from the City of London Police, said: “Officers from the City of London Police were in Fieldgate Street, Tower Hamlets, on Wednesday 23 August 2023 at 11.54pm when a vehicle collided with four members of the public following a short pursuit. All four people were taken to hospital.
“Two people were arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving, burglary and firearms offences.
“In line with standard practice, a referral was made to the IOPC and CoLPs Professional Standards Department. Enquiries are ongoing.”
An IOPC spokesman confirmed they were investigating the City of London police pursuit after the Mercedes reportedly failed to stop for police.
He said: “A short time later it mounted the pavement and was in collision with four pedestrians who suffered serious injuries.
“After being notified by the force we sent investigators to the scene and to the police post incident procedure where the officers involved provided their initial accounts.
“We have requested further information from the force and once received, we will determine what further action may be required from us.”
