WIREDGOV

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses as it investigates the circumstances of a collision in Leicester involving a police van, which led to a man being taken to hospital with serious injuries. 

It happened at about 10.20am on Thursday 18 March by traffic lights on the A47 King Richards Road, at the junction near Kirby Road, when a police van was in collision with a Suburu car. A man in his 40s, who was a passenger in the car, was taken to hospital with multiple fractures and remains there in a stable condition. The driver of the car was also taken to hospital with minor injuries but later discharged. The two police officers in the van were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

We began an investigation following a mandatory referral from Leicestershire Police and we have established that the police van was responding to an incident at the time of the collision.

Witnesses are urged to contact the IOPC by phone on 0300 3030771 or email kingrichardsroad@policeconduct.gov.uk(link sends e-mail) .

IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell said:

“The passenger in the car suffered some very serious injuries, from which he is still recovering, and we have been in contact with his family to explain our role and how our investigation will progress. The collision took place in the morning at a very busy junction and would ask for anyone who witnessed it or recollects any part of this incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“We know that there was a bus at the junction, so in particular we would like to speak to any passengers on board who may be able to help us with our enquiries. It is important that we establish the full circumstances of what happened.”

We are gathering relevant information including police airwaves, accounts from police officers, along with police body worn and CCTV footage.