Driver dies after 100mph car chase with gunmen on mopeds ends with fireball crash in Bermondsey

Reports say that gunshots were heard before the vehicle crashed into a bus stop and nearby tree

Onlookers said the fire was like 'something out of Hollywood' (London Live)

A driver was burned to death in South London after their vehicle crashed into a bus stop during a chase that involved gunmen on mopeds.

The incident that happened on the Old Kent Road in Bermondsey saw the unidentified person incinerated in their vehicle during the early hours of Sunday morning.

It is believed that the victim’s body had been so badly burned that police were unable to identify their age or gender.

According to reports, the crash occurred as the car moving at 100mph was chased down by three gunmen on mopeds.

The vehicle is then said to have rolled on its side before catching fire after a small explosion.

Speaking to The Evening Standard, local resident Carol Turner, 58, said: “I heard this huge bang, it was so loud, and I could smell the smoke from inside. I went outside and I saw the flames.

“The car was just burning and exploding when the tyres were bursting. It was just unbelievable, it was eerie and scary.

“I heard there were people on motorbikes shooting at the car. It must have been going at some speed to have done that much damage. The driver wouldn’t have had a chance.”

Passers-by attempted to save the victim but were unable to get through flames that were reported to have reached 12ft in the air.

Footage of the incident has been released and shows flames and thick smoke coming out of the car’s bonnet.

Horrified eyewitnesses said that the scene was like “something out of a Hollywood film.”

Police and fire services were called to the scene and were able to extinguish the fire.

The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

Roads were closed until late on Sunday afternoon and the Metropolitan Police say that they are currently investigating the incident.

A Met Police spokeswoman said: “Police were called at 2.27am on Sunday to reports of a car on fire after colliding with a tree on the Old Kent Road.

“We can confirm that officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating and forensic officers are working to establish whether holes in the car are the result of shots fired.