Appeal from family of 17-year-old driver left with life-changing injuries after collision with a police car on A1198

The family of a 17-year-old boy who was critically injured when his car was in collision with a police vehicle have pleaded for witnesses to come forward.

The incident on the A1198 at Longstowe at about 1.30pm last Thursday (November 3) is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has issued an appeal for information from anyone who saw it happen.

Josh, a Year 13 pupil at Comberton Sixth Form, is in Addenbrooke’s Hospital with “life-changing injuries” after his Citroen DS3 was in collision with a police car heading south towards Royston from Caxton in response to an incident.

The crash was attended by two ambulances, two vehicles from the Hazardous Area Response Team, an ambulance officer and the East Anglian Air Ambulance

Josh was taken to Addenbrooke’s with serious injuries, while the driver of the police car was taken to Hinchingbrooke Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

In a message shared on social media, Josh’s family said: “Can you help? Our 17-year-old son has been critically injured whilst driving his Citroen DS3 in a collision with a police Land Rover responding to an incident.

“Our son remains in a critical condition with life-changing injuries. He is being looked after by a very skilled and dedicated team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

“If you witnessed the accident itself or the police convoy prior to the accident travelling on the A1198 and have any information, or captured dashcam footage, please come forward.

“There are limited witnesses providing information at the scene and any information regarding the events leading up to the accident would be greatly appreciated.”

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: “Our sympathies are with the young man, the police officer and their families. We have been in touch with the young man’s family to explain our role.

“We are appealing for anyone to come forward who may have witnessed any part of this incident. A young man has suffered serious injuries and a police driver was also injured. It is important that we establish exactly what occurred.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have information or footage relevant to the incident is urged to make contact with us without delay.”

An IOPC spokesperson told the Cambridge Independent: “After being notified by Cambridgeshire police we sent investigators to the scene and to the police post incident procedure to begin our inquiries. Our investigation is at a very early stage.”

The A1198 was closed at Longstowe following the incident, as were the B1046 junctions for Bourn and The Gransdens.

In a tweet, Comberton Sixth Form said: “Our college community was informed on Friday that Josh (Year 13) was critically injured in a traffic collision when driving from Comberton. With permission from Josh's family, we would like to offer our support in appealing for witnesses. We wish Josh all the best at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the IOPC on 0300 303 5733 or email longstowerti@policeconduct.gov.uk as soon as possible.