High Road has been closed after a police car on a call hit a woman crossing the road, causing traffic gridlock throughout the rest of the town centre.
The unmarked car struck the pedestrian, 52, at around midday at the junction with Green Lane near Ilford Police Station.
An officer at the scene said: “A lady went into the side of a police car [which was] on a call.
“She’s got a broken leg - we can’t say for sure but it looks like she spun back and twisted her leg.”
Ricky Bhatth, of Top Travel UK, in High Road, said he saw “a lady get knocked down on a zebra crossing by a car”.
The woman, from Barkingside, was taken to an east London hospital. Her injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
Police have kept the road closed since then.
The officer added: “There’s been a full road collision investigation done by traffic officers.
“Any witnesses should contact police at the Roads Policing Unit at Chadwell Heath.”
The incident caused severe traffic throughout Ilford. The number 86 bus was diverted down Green Lane.
A Met Police spokeswoman said: “As is routine in these circumstances, the Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed and have made a referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), who are currently assessing the circumstances.”
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