Merseyside PC suspended over drink and drug driving crash

The Merseyside Police officer was arrested on suspicion of driving dangerously and drink and drug driving

A police officer has been arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving after a car crashed into a brick wall.

The off-duty student officer, 27, was suspected of being involved in the incident in Menlove Avenue, Mossley Hill, on 14 November.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving dangerously and drink and drug driving.

Suspending him from his duties, Ch Supt Mark Baker said the force took a "zero-tolerance approach" to those who drive while under the influence.

The officer has since been released pending further inquiries.

Photographs of the scene showed significant damage to a resident's brick wall.

Ch Insp Baker said: "Anyone who drives a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs is not only putting themselves at risk but is also endangering the lives of other innocent road users."

He added it was "completely unacceptable to get behind the wheel while inebriated".

The force explained it "always expected the highest professional standards of conduct and behaviour from officers and staff".

"I would like to reassure the public that officers proactively breathalyse and carry out drug wipes on motorists at the roadside all year round," Ch Insp Baker continued.

"We work hard to remove the minority of those who do not adhere to the standards and behaviours that is expected from officers and staff," he added.

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