Boy in a critical condition after being hit by a police van in Lancaster

An 11 year old boy is critically ill in hospital after being hit by a police van which was responding to an emergency call.

Officers say blue lights and sirens were on when the incident happened on Owen Road at around 8.30pm last night.

Lancashire Police said, "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.

"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."

Police have now started an investigation, and Lancashire Police say they have also referred themselves to the Office for Police Conduct.

In a 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."

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