A police officer is fighting for life in hospital after a black Mercedes ploughed into a marked patrol car while they were attending another crash in Northumberland.
The officer was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after the collision on the A189 Spine Road at the Moor Farm Roundabout in Cramlington shortly before midnight on Monday. The driver of the Mercedes, a 73-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
“A police officer is in critical condition after a black Mercedes hit their car while they attended a crash in Cramlington.”
Officers had initially been called at around 11.10pm to reports of a crash involving a white Ford Explorer and a silver Land Rover Freelander. The Ford had left the road, but by the time police arrived the occupants of the Land Rover had fled on foot. No one was found to be seriously injured in that first incident.
As officers dealt with that scene, a black Mercedes CLC struck the parked police car on the southbound carriageway. The impact left the officer with life-threatening injuries and they were taken to hospital, where they remain in a critical condition.
Two ambulance crews, a duty officer and teams from the Great North Air Ambulance Service were dispatched. A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to a road traffic incident on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington shortly before midnight on Monday 8 June. Two patients were taken to hospital by road for further treatment."
Great North Air Ambulance Service added: "Our critical care team was activated at 11.39pm to reports of a road traffic collision on the A189 in Cramlington. Our team worked alongside the North East Ambulance Service to assess and treat a patient and accompanied them to hospital."
Assistant Chief Constable Helena Barron of Northumbria Police said: "Our thoughts are very much with the officer, their loved ones and all those impacted by what has happened. We will continue to support their family and colleagues at this difficult time."
Northumbria Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit has launched an inquiry and is appealing for witnesses. "They say they are especially keen to hear from any witnesses who were travelling in the area at the time, and those who may have dashcam footage," Barron added.
The A189 Spine Road remains closed at the Moor Farm Roundabout and towards Blyth. Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference NP-20260608-1198.