Avon and Somerset Police officer facing criminal investigation over Portway crash
A woman was seriously injured in September when her car was hit by an unmarked police vehicle
An Avon and Somerset Police officer who seriously injured a woman when they crashed an unmarked car into another driver, is facing a criminal investigation.
That's according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has released an update on its inquiry into a crash on the A4 Portway in Bristol, on 6 September.
The road was closed for several hours while emergency services dealt with the scene and the woman's injuries were quickly described as potentially life changing.
In a statement the IOPC say the unmarked vehicle was responding to a police incident when at around 11:30am it passed through a red light at the junction with Hung Road and collided with the woman's car.
A passenger in the woman's car was also treated for less serious injuries.
"We have examined CCTV video footage from the police vehicle, obtained witness statements, conducted house to house enquiries, and we are liaising with vehicle collision teams," the IOPC statement reads.
"After reviewing the evidence so far, we have notified the officer who was driving the police vehicle that they are under criminal investigation in relation to possible offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, or causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving."
The officer has also been served with a gross misconduct notice for potential breaches of police standards of professional behaviour, we're told.
The serving of a criminal letter and gross misconduct notice does not necessarily mean that any proceedings will follow.
A decision on whether or not to refer evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service and on any potential disciplinary proceedings, will be made at the end of the investigation.
IOPC Director David Ford said: “Our investigation is still at a relatively early stage but is progressing well.
"As our enquiries continue, we are looking at the actions and decision making of the officer who was driving and whether the manner of their driving was in line with relevant policies, procedures and training.
“We have been in contact with the woman who unfortunately, sustained serious injuries during the incident, to explain our role and to provide reassurance that we will carry out a thorough and independent investigation.
"We will continue to provide regular updates to those involved in this incident, as our investigation develops."