Police car crashes through bridge barrier

Part of a police car was left hanging over the edge of a Grade II listed bridge after hitting the parapet in a crash in Worcester.

West Mercia Police said the patrol car was travelling to a call-out when it struck the historic bridge on the River Severn.

The incident happened shortly before 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, with police initially saying a second vehicle belonging to a member of the public had gone on to hit the police car from behind.

In an update, the force said there had been no second vehicle involved. The force said no-one was injured and an investigation was under way.

The Professional Standards Department has also been informed of the incident, police said.

The area was closed off on Wednesday while the car was recovered and the road made safe.

The side of the bridge going out of the city remains shut as the council works with other agencies to make the footpath and road safe.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said the 18th Century bridge was on Historic England's National Heritage list, meaning repairs would be "incredibly complex".

An initial inspection had confirmed damage was limited to the parapet, the authority said.

"A full structural inspection will follow, after which we will progress necessary repair works," the spokesperson added.

"Arrangements will be made to recover materials from the river when it is safe to do so."

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