...By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
In a tragic incident on Thursday night, an 11-year-old boy was struck by a police van in Lancaster, resulting in critical injuries.
The collision occurred while Lancashire Police were responding to an emergency call, as the boy was crossing Owen Road shortly before 8:30 pm.
Critical Condition of the Boy:
The injured boy was immediately transported to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, where he remains in a critical condition.
The severity of his injuries has raised concerns and prompted a swift response from the authorities.
Police Investigation and Statement:
A police spokesperson expressed condolences to the family and confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading up to the collision.
As per standard procedure in such incidents, Lancashire Police has voluntarily referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
IOPC’s Involvement:
The IOPC, an independent oversight body, released a statement confirming their initiation of an independent investigation into the actions of Lancashire Police preceding the road traffic collision on Owen Road.
The incident involved a marked police van with its lights and sirens activated colliding with the 11-year-old boy.
The IOPC was promptly informed by the police following the collision and officially declared the investigation at 10:37 pm.
IOPC investigators are en route to the scene and will follow the post-incident procedure to gather relevant information.
Early Stages of the Investigation:
The IOPC emphasized that they are in the initial stages of their investigation.
Their primary objective is to gather all necessary facts and evidence surrounding the incident, shedding light on the sequence of events that led to the collision between the police van and the young boy.
