A WOMAN has suffered “potentially life-changing injuries” after being hit by an unmarked police car.
The vehicle was attending an emergency when it collided with the 19-year-old pedestrian in South Gloucestershire on Sunday at around 6.30pm.
The incident occurred at the intersection between the A4174 and Badminton Road in Emersons Green, South Gloucestershire[/caption]The officers present provided first-aid to the young woman before paramedics arrived at the scene, Avon and Somerset Police said.
She was then rushed to hospital – with injuries that may impact the rest of her life.
The force added that the police car had its blue lights and sirens on when the incident took place.
It occurred at a major roundabout in the Emersons Green area.
The officers in the vehicle were not injured and will be offered welfare support.
The force has since referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to investigate.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Officers provided first aid to the pedestrian, a 19-year-old woman, alongside paramedics.
“She was taken to hospital with injuries which are potentially life-changing.
“Her next of kin are aware and we’ll be providing them with support.”
They added: “As is standard practice following an incident in which there’s been a serious injury following police contact, we’ve made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
The incident occurred while the police car was attending an emergency[/caption]