A driver who suffered life-threatening injuries after ploughing into a lamppost in Purley is in a stable condition, police have said.

The 55-year-old man is thought to have suffered a medical episode at the wheel of his car at about 1.30pm yesterday.

Police, firefighters, paramedics and an air ambulance were sent to collision in Godstone Road, near the junction with Downs Court Road.

The driver was rushed by road to hospital, where he was fighting for his life yesterday afternoon.

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A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the man was now in a stable condition.

He added: "The injury suffered by the driver is not believed to have been sustained from collision, [and] appears to be related to an existing medical condition.

"This incident is not being treated as suspicious. No arrests have been made and no other vehicles were involved."

Veronica Aldous, who lives in Downs Court Road, was driving home from Catherham when she came across the crash.

She said: “This is a massive accident. There’s a car up on the embankment twisted round, and lots and lots of emergency services. That part of Godstone Road has been completely cordoned off.

“[The car] was almost turned round the wrong way.”

Godstone Road was cordoned off and closed in both directions following the crash, causing tailbacks around Purley.