AN investigation has been launched into a crash involving a police van after 'discrepancies' were uncovered in the injured officers' report.
Cleveland Police has called in the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to carry out a probe into the circumstances surrounding a collision in New Marske that left two people seriously injured after the car they were in collided with a police van.
The incident happened shortly before 4am on Sunday (May 22), when a black Vauxhall Corsa, travelling in the direction of Redcar, collided with a marked police van on Grewgrass Lane.
A 17-year-old girl suffered potentially life-changing injuries, while an 18-year-old man was also seriously hurt. Both were taken to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Two police officers were also injured and taken to hospital but have since been discharged.
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IOPC Regional Director Miranda Biddle said: “This was a very serious incident that resulted in four people requiring hospital treatment for their injuries. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We would like to reassure the public that this will be subject to a thorough and robust investigation.
“Upon identifying concerns with the way this was handled by two of its officers, the force has referred the matter promptly. It is important we establish the circumstances of the collision as well as examining the actions and decision-making of the officers involved.
“As part of this, we are asking anyone with information, particularly those who may have seen or have dashcam footage of either vehicle beforehand or the collision itself, to get in touch.”
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The probe was launched after the the force’s directorate of standards and ethics became aware some details in officers’ initial reports of the incident, which were used as the basis for a force media release, may have been inaccurate.
The IOPC said the force identified evidence of some potential discrepancies in the original information that the police van was stationary at the time of the collision.
Anyone with information can call 0300 303 5613 or email grewgrass@policeconduct.gov.uk
The force is also looking for evidence connected to the incident especially drivers with dash cam who may have captured footage of the black Corsa (registration plate OE16 EWD) in or around the Redcar/Marske/New Marske area to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 086672.
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