Boy, 11, in critical condition after police van on emergency call hits him

25 May 2023 , 23:54

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Police at the scene of the incident in Lancaster on Thursday

A boy, aged 11, is in a critical condition in hospital after he was hit by a police van, officers have said.

The horror crash happened at Owen Road, Lancaster, at about 8.30pm on Thursday.

The boy, who was crossing a road at the time, was taken to hospital and is said to be in a critical condition.

Lancashire police have launched an investigation and referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Officers said in a statement: "A police vehicle, attending an emergency call, has been involved in a collision with a child who was crossing the road just before 8:30pm. The incident happened tonight (May 25) on Owen Road, Lancaster.

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A boy is fighting for his life after he was hit by a police van on Thursday (Ioannis Alexopoulos/LNP)

"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.

"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."

The boy is in a critical condition

In a further statement the IOPC 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.

"Our investigation is at an early stage."

William Walker