One person has been arrested after several people were injured in a multi-vehicle collision at the notorious Manor Circus junction on the A316.

A number of people were treated at the scene and taken to hospital following the high speed collision close to the zebra crossings at the roundabout.

The design of the junction, which is the responsibility of Transport for London rather than Richmond Council, has been at the centre of controversy for many years.

Such is the concern that a petition to improve the safety was launched a month ago and, thus far, has received over 200 signatories.

A number of people signing the petition argue that pedestrians using the zebra crossings on either side of the roundabout are put at risk by drivers who fail to slow down or stop.

This appears because drivers are racing to overtake others entering and leaving the roundabout.

Vehicles which stop at the zebra crossing are at the risk of being hit from behind, while people on foot using the crossings have reported a number of near misses.

Residents suggested the scale of the damage and the number of injuries indicates the accident, which meant the crucial artery road was closed for several hours, involved high speed.

The major incident involved rescue teams from the London Fire Brigade, ambulances and the police.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "On Friday 15th April 2022 at around 1035hrs on Lower Richmond Road junction with Sandycombe Lane there was a collision involving multiple vehicles.

"Several people sustained injuries and were treated on scene by the London Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital.

None of the injuries are life threatening.

"The road was closed while the investigation was started and reopened some hours later.

"One arrest has been made and the investigation continues."

A petition calling for safety improvements reads: "Manor Circus Roundabout can be extremely unsafe for pedestrians, motorists and other road users and the roundabout should be made more safe immediately as lives are at risk."

It was started by Samuel Ennis, who is standing as a Conservative candidate in the local council elections. He argued that while TfL is responsible for this road and junction, Richmond Council should be pushing for improvements.

Mr Ennis wrote: "I use the roundabout nearly every day and it's very unsafe and needs to be upgraded immediately."

Calls for improvements are being supported across the political spectrum along with the Barnes Community Association and safety campaigner Richmond Transits.

One passer-by said: "I saw the aftermath of this and was really shocked at the damage to the car on the right. 

"Someone must have been approaching the roundabout at a really crazy speed. I hope nobody was seriously hurt, but I suspect the worst as the road was closed for hours."

Richmond Transits wrote: "This is the roundabout @TfL would not fix/make good for cycling. It's dangerous for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists."