Bristol police pursuit crash injures child on bike

Police expect the A39 to remain closed for some time

A child has been injured by a police vehicle during a police pursuit of a suspected stolen vehicle, in Bristol.

Officers were chasing the vehicle through the city which had collided with a number of vehicles, including a double-decker bus and a police car.

Avon and Somerset Police said a child on a bike sustained minor injuries during the pursuit.

A 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft and driving while unfit through drugs.

A police spokeswoman, said it was informed of the suspected stolen vehicle by Devon and Cornwall Police in the early hours of Wednesday.

"Officers located the vehicle in south Bristol at around 07:30 GMT," she said.

"The vehicle was seen driving dangerously throughout the city, colliding with other vehicles, including a double-decker bus and a police car, and driving the wrong way on one-way roads."

Collision review

It was during the pursuit that a child on a bike was involved with a collision with a police vehicle.

"The officer stopped and remained with the child who sustained minor injuries until their parents arrived," she said.

"They are now being supported by officers from the roads policing team, and the officer involved is also receiving support."

A 20 year-old was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, going equipped for theft of a motor vehicle, possession of class B drugs (cannabis) and driving while unfit through drugs.

The collision will reviewed by an Inspector.