A 23-year-old mum has died and her baby boy is fighting for his life after they were hit by a car in Penge.

Emergency services were called to reports of a collision in Croydon Road at around 8pm last night (January 13).

After police and paramedics arrived, a car was found to have been in a collision with a mother and her baby in a pram.

UPDATE: Tributes for mum Nicole Newman killed in Penge as baby fights for life

Despite efforts to save the mum, she was declared dead at the scene, a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

He added the nine-month old baby has been taken to hospital where his injuries are considered to be life-threatening.

The driver of the car, 51, was also taken to hospital, suffering from non life-threatening injuries, though he has not been arrested and is assisting with police enquiries.

One witness of the aftermath of the incident described the scene in a video on Facebook.

"Boy what a sad start for 2019. (I was) just passing, going about my business and I came across such a horrific accident. A car hit a babymother while she was trying to cross the road.

"The fire brigade is here, the ambulance are here, the police are here."

Road closures are in place following the fatal collision.

The Scotland Yard spokesman said the force is trying to understand the full circumstances of the incident at this stage.

The baby boy remains in critical condition. 

The driver of the car has been discharged from hospital.

A support fund has been set up in the wake of the tragedy. 

The statement on the GoFundMe explained: "Tragic doesn't come close to describing what happened last night in Penge.

"Please donate money to help support the family. If you leave a message, I'll be sure to pass it onto the family.

"Funds will be transferred once contact has been made between local councillors, the police liaison officer assigned and the relevant family member, and at a time agreed by all parties."

Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are asking anyone with dash-cam footage, or who witnessed the incident, to come forward and speak to police.

Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.