Officer under criminal investigation after Bristol crash

The incident happened at the junction of Hung Road and the Portway in Bristol

A police officer is under criminal investigation following a crash which left a woman seriously injured.

The police watchdog is investigating a two-vehicle collision involving an unmarked police car on the A4 in Bristol on 6 September.

The police car passed through a red light at the junction of Hung Road and Portway responding to an incident.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has shared an update on its investigation.

The woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries and has since been discharged from hospital. The passenger in the police vehicle received treatment for less serious injuries.

The IOPC said they had examined CCTV video footage from the police vehicle, obtained witness statements and conducted house-to-house enquiries.

'Thorough investigation'

They have now 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 same officer has also been served with a gross misconduct notice for potential breaches of police standards of professional behaviour.

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."