An 11-year-old boy is in critical condition in hospital after being hit by a police van in Lancaster.
Lancashire Police said the boy was taken to hospital after the incident on Owen Road shortly before 8.30pm on Thursday.
The collision happened as the boy was crossing the road and officers were responding to an emergency call, police said.
The local boy was taken to Lancaster Royal Infirmary and then transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool where he remains in critical condition.
Lancashire Police said an investigation was underway. “Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones at this time,” the force said.
‘Carefully consider’ the circumstances
The police watchdog said it will “thoroughly investigate” the circumstances which led to the boy being hit by the police vehicle, which had its lights and sirens on at the time.
The Independent Office for Police Driving (IOPC) said early evidence indicates the officer driving had activated his emergency equipment at the time of the collision.
Catherine Bates, IOPC Regional Director, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident and my thoughts are with the boy, his family and everyone affected by the incident.
“It is mandatory for the forces to report incidents like this to us, which result in death or serious injury, and our investigation will thoroughly examine the circumstances prior to the collision, including whether appropriate policies and procedures were followed. “
“Family supported by specially trained agents”
Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards, West Division Divisional Commanding Officer, said her thoughts and prayers remain with the boy and his family.
She said the collision took place on Owen Road at the junction with Torrisholme Road and involved a police marked Peugeot 308 hatchback responding to an emergency call.
Chief Superintendent Edwards told reporters: ‘The boy, aged 11 and from the area, was taken by ambulance to Lancaster Royal Infirmary.
“He was then transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. He remains in critical condition.
“As I said, our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time. They are being supported by our specially trained officers.
“Now I understand that there will be a lot of questions about what happened and why.
“And I want to reassure you today that a full and thorough investigation will be carried out to establish the circumstances.
“As you will understand, this is now under live investigation, so I am unable to provide any further details at this time.
“Last night we referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, IOPC, and they will carry out an independent investigation.
“We will of course cooperate fully with them.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank our local communities in Lancaster and across Lancashire and beyond for their understanding and support during what has clearly been an extremely distressing incident.
“I have placed additional comfort patrols in and around the area today and over the weekend, and anyone with information or concerns should feel free to approach and speak to my officers.
‘Finally, anyone with any information, CCTV or dash cam footage that may help the investigation is asked to contact 101.’
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then get a year for just $9 with our exclusive US offer.