Police car crashes with van in Leigh Park leaving officers in hospital - update

The force has given an update after a blue lit police car was involved in a crash with a van on route to an emergency callout in Leigh Park - leaving two officers in hospital and the van driver arrested for drug-driving.

Officers were attending an incident when they were involved in a collision with an orange Ford Transit van on Stockheath Lane, just before 5pm on Tuesday 15 September, as reported.

The driver of the Transit, a 38-year-old man from Havant, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and was previously bailed. Police have now said the man has been released under investigation while further enquiries continue. The two officers were discharged from hospital after the crash.

The crash sparked a flurry of “social media commentary” according to Chief Inspector Matt Moss who issued a public statement on Facebook to clarify matters on Tuesday.

He described the crash as an “incident involving a police car in Leigh Park” before adding: “Whilst responding to an emergency call two of my staff were involved in a collision with a member of the public's vehicle.

“The member of the public involved was not injured, however as a result of this collision two of my staff were taken to hospital. I am pleased to be able to update you this morning that both have no serious injuries, and will return to duty in due course.

“The member of the public involved was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drugs, and has been bailed for further enquiries.”

He added: “We won't be making any further comment on this incident for the time being as there is an investigation ongoing into the incident by our Roads Policing Unit, and should there be further charges or updates we will let you know.”

The reference number for anyone who witnessed the incident and wants to contact police is 44260451837.