A woman has died and her baby is in a critical condition after they were hit by a car.

The 23-year-old woman was pushing her eight-month-old son in his pram when they were struck by the vehicle in Penge, south-east London.

The Metropolitan police said they were called to the scene in Croydon Road at 8.08pm on Sunday.

“A car was found to have been involved in a collision with a mother and a baby in a pram,” the force said. “Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics, the mother … was declared dead at the scene.

“The baby, believed to be eight months old, has been taken to hospital. His injuries have been assessed as life-threatening.”

The driver of the car stopped at the scene and was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. He has not been arrested and was said to be helping police with their inquiries.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses or anyone who has video footage of the collision to come forward.

Those with information can call the serious collision investigation unit on 020 8285 1574 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.