Driver hospitalised after colliding with unmarked police car

Driver hospitalised with ‘potentially life-changing injuries’ after colliding with unmarked police car on its way to emergency

  •  The collision has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct

A driver has been taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries after a collision with an unmarked police car on its way to an emergency, Avon and Somerset Police has said.

Two cars collided at about 11.20am on Wednesday at the traffic lights at the junction between the A4 Portway and Hung Road in Bristol.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the collision.

Emergency services remain at the scene of a collision and the A4 Portway is closed.

The driver was in a grey Kia Stonic and their next of kin are aware, Avon and Somerset Police said. There was no-one else in the car.

Two cars collided at about 11.20am on Wednesday at the traffic lights at the junction between the A4 Portway and Hung Road in Bristol. Pictured: Google street view of the junction

An officer, who was in the unmarked police Volvo XC90, has also been taken to hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.

A second officer was treated at the scene.

An IOPC spokesperson said: ‘The Independent Office for Police Conduct has started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a collision on the A4 in Bristol which has left a member of the public seriously injured.

‘It follows a referral from Avon and Somerset Police after one if its unmarked vehicles was involved in the incident with another car, which has left the driver of that car with potentially life-changing injuries.

The statement added: ‘After we were notified by the force, we sent our investigators to the police post-incident process and scene to begin gathering information.’

The Portway is closed inbound from the M5 junction 18 to Park Road. One lane has opened outbound.

Avon and Somerset Police said the closure is expected to remain in place for some time and motorists are urged to seek other routes.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any dashcam or other footage which could help the investigation is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5223216301.

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