Wiltshire Police launch urgent appeal after officer seriously injured
The officer collided with an electric bike in Swindon on Saturday night
Police have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses after a police officer was seriously injured in Swindon.
The officer is thought to have been struck by an electric bike late on Saturday night (January 13th).
Taking place at around 11:20pm, the incident happened at the roundabout junction of Faringdon Road and Westcott Place in the west of Swindon town centre.
Responding to the incident, the force arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He currently remains in police custody as they carry out investigations.
The police officer who was hit by the bike is being treated in hospital for his injuries, which are said to be serious but not life-threatening.
As well as this, Wiltshire Police are offering welfare support for both him and his family, who have been informed of the incident and are with him as he receives treatment.
People are being told to prepare for an increased police presence in the area as officers try to piece together what happened and how the man was hit.
Officers are also asking for anyone who might have seen the incident take place to come forward as soon as possible as the enquiries take place in the vicinity of the crash.
Speaking about the investigation, Superintendent Steve Cox from Wiltshire Police said: "This is a highly concerning incident and our thoughts are very much with the Wiltshire Police Officer, who was seriously injured in the course of his duty, and his family at this very distressing time.
"We have a suspect in custody who was detained nearby, shortly after the incident," he continued. "An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of what took place."
Cox added that police are aware of several people who would have seen the incident take place, with some of them coming to check on the police officer after he was struck.
He appealed for those that may have seen the crash take place or if anyone who may have dashcam footage as they were passing through the area when the crash took place to get in touch as soon as possible to progress the investigation further.
Any potential witnesses or those with any relevant information are being urged to get in touch as soon as possible by calling Wiltshire Police and quoting reference number 54240004756.