Police have referred themselves to an independent watchdog following a crash in Darlington over the weekend that involved a pensioner.

An officer was responding to a call using blue lights when the collision took place on North Road at about 10am on Saturday (August 31).

The police vehicle collided with a white Suzuki which was being driven by an 80-year-old woman and the car ended up being suspended on a bollard.

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

It has now been confirmed the woman sustained minor injuries and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment. The officer was not hurt.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "At around 10am, an officer from Durham Constabulary was responding to an emergency with lights and sirens activated when they collided with a white Suzuki driven by an elderly woman. 

"She sustained a head injury in the crash, which saw her car mount a bollard and a signpost, and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the police officer involved in the incident emerged unscathed."

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Police have now additionally confirmed that the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as per procedure.

They said: "The woman suffered minor injuries and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment.

"Durham Constabulary has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the incident."