A man "jumped" in front of a lorry in Catford this morning, witnesses say, and has been rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Emergency services were called to the spot beside Blythe Vale at around 11.15am this morning (May 23) where a man in his 40s had been hit by a truck carrying slabs of concrete.

News Shopper: Catford man in life-threatening condition after 'jumping' in front of lorry

Police closed off the road and cordoned off the scene while shocked witnesses looked on. Meanwhile, London's Air Ambulance landed in the grounds of nearby St Dunstan's College.

The man, who had suffered head and leg injuries, was rushed to the major trauma centre at Kings College Hospital. Police describe his condition as "life-threatening".

Shopkeepers described hearing a loud bang, looking out of their businesses and seeing a man trapped under one of the lorry's wheels.

It was claimed the victim had been standing at the bus stop and then thrown himself in front of the oncoming vehicle.

A pile of his clothes were still visible beside the truck this afternoon.

News Shopper: Catford man in life-threatening condition after 'jumping' in front of lorry

Daurys Dartford, from Regency Insurance, said: "The guy was on his side and his legs were trapped under the tyre of the lorry.

"People were saying that he wasn't waiting for a bus - he just jumped in front of it."

She went on: "I feel so sorry for the driver. He was shocked. He must have only been in his late 20s or early 30s."

Ms Dartford continued: "It was chaos. We see so many accidents here."

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision.

While officers believe they know who the man is, he is not in possession of identification and officers would like to speak with anyone who might recognise his description.

He is described as white and 5ft 8ins tall. He was wearing a red striped T-shirt, black jeans and a grey/blue check bomber jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 020 8285 1574.