Boy, 11, is hit by police van ‘with its lights and sirens on’ in Lancaster and left in critical condition: IOPC announces it will investigate incident
- Child crossing Owen Road in Lancaster at 8.30pm when he was hit by Police van
- Lancaster Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct
An 11-year-old boy hit by a police van on an emergency call has been left in a critical condition.
The child was crossing Owen Road in Lancaster at 8.30 pm when he was hit by the vehicle, which had its lights and sirens on.
Lancaster Police have started an investigation to establish the circumstances of the collision and referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
They said: ‘A police vehicle, attending an emergency call, has been involved in a collision with a child who was crossing the road just before 8:30 pm.
‘The incident happened tonight (May 25) on Owen Road, Lancaster.
The child was crossing the Owen Road in Lancaster at 8.30pm when he was hit
Lancaster Police have started an investigation to establish the circumstances of the collision and referred itself to the Independent Office for police Conduct (IOPC). Pictured: File Photo
‘The child has been taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary, where his condition is described as critical.
‘Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones at this time.’
The A road – which passes through residential areas – is closed and expected to remain so for some time, with residents advised to find alternative routes in order to avoid the area.
The force has appealed for anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or information about the incident to help with the investigation by contacting them.
The police watchdog said: ‘The IOPC has declared an independent investigation into the actions of Lancashire Police prior to a road traffic collision in Owen Road, Lancaster at around 8.30pm on 25 May, in which a child has been injured.
‘We understand that a marked police van, with its lights and sirens on, was in a collision with an 11-year-old boy.
‘He has been taken to hospital and our thoughts are with him and his family.
‘We were notified by the force shortly after the collision and declared an investigation at 10.37pm. IOPC investigators are heading to the scene and the police post incident procedure to begin gathering information.
The force has asked anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or information about the incident to help with the investigation by contacting them
‘Our investigation is at an early stage.’
Lancaster Area Police added: ‘An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances that led to the collision.
‘We have voluntarily referred this matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard with an incident of this nature.
‘Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist our investigation is asked to contact us on 101 quoting log 1388 of May 25.
‘A road closure is in place and will remain in place for some time.’
