A 34-year-old man has died on train tracks in south London after a car chase with police officers.

The Metropolitan Police said the car failed to stop at 3.26am on Wednesday as it headed towards Streatham High Road.

“A vehicle pursuit was authorised and officers followed the car for a short time, indicating it should stop,” said a Met statement.

The driver ran away after crashing in Brunswick Mews, Streatham, and police lost sight of him in nearby Potters Lane, the force said.

A police helicopter joined the search and a body was spotted on tracks near Estreham Road.

The power to the lines was turned off so the emergency responders could get to the man.

Police said: “As soon as the lines were confirmed as safe, officers and paramedics approached the man who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and the Independent Office for Police Conduct is also investigating.