A 25-year-old man remains in police custody following a fatal collision between a horse and cart and an electric bicycle in east London that claimed the life of a 46-year-old cyclist.
The cart driver was detained at the scene in Folly Lane, Chingford, on suspicion of wanton and furious driving after the incident on Wednesday evening, February 4. He is currently being held for questioning by Metropolitan Police officers.
Emergency Services Called to Chingford Scene
Police received reports of the collision at 18:08hrs on Wednesday and dispatched officers to Folly Lane alongside London Ambulance Service crews. Despite the emergency response, medical personnel were unable to save the cyclist, who was declared dead at the location where the collision occurred.
The victim’s family has been notified of his death and specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police are providing support during this period.
Investigation Underway Into Rare Collision Type
Detective Sergeant Faye Cook from the Met’s Serious Collisions Investigation Unit is heading the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. The detective acknowledged the gravity of the situation whilst confirming an arrest had been made.
Collisions involving horse-drawn vehicles remain uncommon on London’s roads, making the incident particularly unusual for investigators to examine. The charge of wanton and furious driving is a historical offence dating back to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, typically applied in cases involving non-motorised vehicles or circumstances where modern road traffic legislation does not apply.
Witness Appeal Issued by Metropolitan Police
Detectives are seeking assistance from members of the public who may have information about the collision or its lead-up. Investigators are particularly interested in obtaining visual evidence that could help piece together the sequence of events.
Detective Sergeant Cook directly addressed potential witnesses, emphasising the tragic nature of the incident whilst confirming the ongoing investigation. She stressed the importance of any available information coming forward to assist the inquiry team.
How to Contact Police With Information
Members of the public with relevant information, CCTV recordings, or dashcam footage are urged to contact police through multiple channels. Direct contact can be made by calling 101 and providing reference number CAD5904/04FEB when speaking to operators.
Alternatively, witnesses can reach the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit directly on 0207 175 0753 to speak with officers handling the case.
Those preferring to remain anonymous can provide information through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111, where details can be shared without revealing personal identity.
The investigation continues as officers work to establish the full circumstances leading to the cyclist’s death. The 25-year-old man arrested at the scene remains in custody whilst enquiries proceed.
