News / Crime
Force must improve training after collision
Avon and Somerset Police has been told to improve driver safety after a pedestrian was severely injured by a car on a 999 call on Stokes Croft.
Laura McEwan was struck on Stokes Croft by a police car responding to a man with a knife on November 29 last year.
She was struck as she crossed the road and was thrown seven metres in the air and 17 metres forward by the collision which left with life-threatening injuries.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has concluded that the driver, who has not been named, has no case to answer.
However, the IPCC report also noted the force did not have enough driver trainers and recommended that this be changed.
High speed drivers with the force will now have to take a refresher course every five years. The officer who struck McEwen had been on a refresher course for more than five years when the incident took place.
McEwen had been celebrating her 33rd birthday at an Indian restaurant before heading to Stokes Croft where she was struck crossing the road next to the Jamaica Street junction.
Officers were responding to reports of a man with a kitchen knife at a property on Goucester Road who had already injured someone and was threatening others.
McEwen was struck by the second car heading to the incident, travelling between 22mph-35mph with sirens and emergency lights.
The IPCC investigation found the driver was driving appropriately.
McEwen suffered severe pelvic and head injuries and was treated in the intensive care unit of Southmead Hospital.
Guido Liguori, IPCC associate commissioner, said: “This was an unfortunate accident in which a young woman suffered serious injuries.
“The investigator has found no case to answer for the driver of the vehicle. We have however recommended that Avon and Somerset Constabulary ensure that they have enough driver trainers and that all response drivers receive refresher courses every five years.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sue Wilshire, deputy head of the professional standards department at Avon and Somerset police said: “We welcome the findings of the IPCC investigation into this case.
“We referred this incident to the IPCC the same day it took place as is procedure when a police vehicle is involved in a road traffic collision.
“The IPCC have concluded that the police officer driving the vehicle has no case to answer as his driving manner and speed were appropriate in an emergency blue light run.”
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
