DORSET Police has referred itself to the policing watchdog following a major crash involving a police car which left six people, including two children, injured.

At around 10.10pm on Saturday, July 9, a road traffic collision occurred on Littlemoor Road, in Weymouth, at the junction with Chalbury Close, involving a bronze Honda Civic and a marked police car that was making its way to an unconnected 999 emergency call nearby.

The ambulance service, including air ambulance and fire service, attended the scene.

Bournemouth Echo: The aftermath of a collision involving a police car on Littlemoor Road, Weymouth, on July 9, 2022The aftermath of a collision involving a police car on Littlemoor Road, Weymouth, on July 9, 2022

Two police officers, who were travelling in the vehicle, were taken to Dorset County Hospital for treatment. Their injuries were not described as serious.

The occupants of the Honda, a man and woman aged in their 30s and two young children aged 18 months old and three years old, were assessed at the scene before being taken to Dorset County Hospital. The male driver and two children sustained minor injuries. The female passenger sustained a head injury, that is not described as serious or life-threatening.

A spokesperson from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said: "We received a referral from Dorset Police on Monday in respect of the collision on Littlemoor Road at the weekend. We are presently assessing the referral to decide whether IOPC involvement in any investigation is required."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We can confirm that Dorset Police has made a mandatory referral to the IOPC and we await further guidance from the IOPC on the matter."

The road was closed between the Chalbury roundabout and Dorchester Road and Louviers Road at the junction with Littlemoor while collision investigators examined the scene. It was reopened just after 9.35am on Sunday, July 9.

A police investigation into the collision is underway. No arrests have been made.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the crash.

Sergeant Sarah Jones, of the traffic unit, said: “A full investigation into this incident is underway to establish the circumstances of this collision.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything of relevance on dashcam or home CCTV systems, and have not yet spoken to officers, to please contact Dorset Police.

“Finally, I would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding while the road was closed.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220110330. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.