4:19pm Tuesday 26th August 2008
By Robert Fisk and Beckie Williams
FRIENDS have paid tribute to a grandmother who was killed when she was involved in a collision with a police car.
Sandra Simpson was struck by the vehicle at around 9pm on Saturday (August 23) in Homesdale Road, at the junction with Gundulph Road, Bromley.
The police car is believed to have had its emergency blue lights and sirens on at the time of the collision.
Sue Alderton became friends with Mrs Simpson 35 years ago when they were both pregnant.
They lived near each other in Mornington Road, which is just a few streets away from where the incident took place.
'It is very shocking'
Ms Alderton said: "I first heard about it on Saturday night.
"It was a total shock.
"She was just a lovely person and she was a nice hard working lady.
"She will always be a loss, especially to her family."
Mohammed Abdul Matin, the Simpsons next door neighbour of 26 years, says he last saw Mrs Simpson in her kitchen, playing with her grandchild just half an hour before her death.
He said: "When you have known someone for 26 years it is very shocking.
"We were nearly like brother and sister."
The 65-year-old added: "It is very sad and I am very upset.
"I did not believe it at first and I don't know how it happened."
Floral tributes have been left at the crash scene.
One of them reads: "Dear Mum (Nanny).
"We were your sunflowers and through your love, strength and support you made us grow.
"We will love you forever x.
"Love from Natasha, Darren, Elliot, Jacob and Sonny."
Paramedics battled to try and save the 61-year-old who worked for sign company Creative FX, Masons Hill, Bromley.
Residents who live near to where the collision happened said Homesdale Road was full of emergency services vehicles after the incident.
Maureen Andrews, of Homesdale Road, says she looked outside after noticing flashing blue lights through her living room window.
The 74-year-old said: "There were two men kicking the police car - a grey haired man and a younger man.
"When the ambulance came I saw them putting blankets down and then I saw one of them lifting up a great big black bag and I knew instinctively what it was.
"I'm shaking just talking about it."
One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "The medics were there giving the woman artificial resuscitation and they kept at it for ages and ages.
"They really gave it a good go.
"The woman's husband was in a state of shock.
"He was just totally lost."
She added: "When they cleared up there was a great big pool of blood.
"She must have been hit with great force."
An investigation has been launched
Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigators are looking into the incident and will look at the actions of the police officer.
House to house enquiries were done yesterday and a post-mortem examination, which was attended by an IPCC investigator, was carried out on Sunday (August 25).
An inquest will be opened and adjourned in due course.
The IPCC's investigation continues.
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