Lowestoft officers stable after crash

Further details about the serious injuries suffered by two Lowestoft police officers in a road crash emerged today, as investigations into the two-vehicle collision continued.

Further details about the serious injuries suffered by two Lowestoft police officers in a road crash emerged today, as investigations into the two-vehicle collision continued.

The two male special constables are in a stable condition after their marked car was in collision with a Mitsubishi Evolution on Lowestoft's relief road during the early hours of Saturday.

A 39-year-old officer suffered a fractured pelvis and a broken arm, and his colleague, aged 37, is being treated for a fractured leg.

Both were taken to the James Paget University Hospital, in Gorleston, following the crash at the junction of Tom Crisp Way and Lowestoft Road at about 1.45am.

Firefighters battled to rescue the two officers, who have not been named, and two men in the Mitsubishi. Shortly before the collision, the Mitsubishi was being followed by a police van after it failed to stop in Belvedere Road.

The driver and passenger of the Mitsubishi were later released from hospital. A 28-year-old man from the Yarmouth area was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police and drink-driving and bailed to return to Lowestoft police station on March 7.

A police spokesman confirmed the case had now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) as a matter of routine. Officials there will decide whether to carry out their own probe or refer the case back to Suffolk police.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact PC Gary Buss at Suffolk police's serious collision investigation team on 01473 613500.