A police van in Lancaster struck an 11-year-old boy on Thursday night (May 25), leaving him in critical condition and requiring hospitalization.
The incident occurred as Lancashire Police were responding to an emergency call. The collision happened on Owen Road around 8:30 PM when the boy was crossing the street. He was immediately taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary in critical condition.
Following the collision, the police took the initiative to refer themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC has confirmed that they are currently investigating the matter. A police spokesperson expressed their sympathy, stating, “Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones at this time. An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances leading to the collision. As per standard procedure in incidents of this nature, we have voluntarily referred the matter to the IOPC.”
The IOPC later announced that they had opened an independent investigation into the actions of Lancashire Police prior to the road traffic collision. The collision involved a marked police van with lights and sirens activated, colliding with the 11-year-old boy. The IOPC was notified by the police shortly after the incident and initiated their investigation at 10:37 PM. Their investigators are on their way to the scene to gather information during the post-incident procedure.
At this early stage of the investigation, the IOPC is collecting evidence. The collision reportedly caused a traffic light to be knocked over, resulting in the closure of the road. Signs requesting potential witnesses to come forward with any information about the incident have been placed along Owen Road, which leads to Lancaster city centre. Engineers have also been dispatched to assess the damage to the traffic lights.
The crash took place outside a former secondary school building. In addition to examining the scene, investigators are urging anyone with relevant information or CCTV and dashcam footage to contact them at 101, quoting log 1388 of May 25.
This incident follows a recent tragedy in Wales where two teenage boys died in a crash involving a police van. The incident led to a riot after the e-bike the boys were riding was pursued by the police van.
