Suspected drug-driver arrested after smash with ambulance on emergency call

A DRIVER who was involved in a collision which wrecked an ambulance responding to an emergency was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and using drugs.

Officers detained a 31-year-old man after the incident in Christchurch with a car yesterday (Wednesday) at about 2.30pm in Fairmile Road, at the junction of Clarenden Road.

Police said an unmarked vehicle with illuminated lights had requested the Volkswagen Golf to stop shortly before the front-on crash.

Wreckage from the South Western Ambulance Service vehicle was strewn across the carriageway and the road was shut to deal with the incident.

The car driver, from Dorchester, sustained a minor injury and was treated at the scene. He was assisting police with their inquiries, the force said.

He was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop when requested by police, driving without insurance, dangerous driving, drug driving and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Two paramedics from the ambulance were taken to Poole hospital as a precaution. It is understood the ambulance was responding to an emergency call at the time of the collision although no patients were on board.

The police have urged any witnesses to come forward with any information about the collision and the events leading up to it.

Inspector Joe Pardey, of the Dorset Police traffic unit, said: "An investigation into the circumstances of the collision is now underway.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the collision to please contact Dorset Police."

Anyone with information should pass it on via www.dorset.police.uk, by emailing SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 20:239.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.