Update given on man who fell out of ambulance in Watford

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued an update on the 46-year-old’s condition after he fell out of the emergency vehicle which was travelling on the ring road by the town centre on Monday.

Emergency services swarmed the area for several hours just after 10am, with several police cars and ambulances at the scene while an air ambulance was also called.

The IOPC has launched an investigation into the incident as an officer was with the man at the time of the accident.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said the man suffered serious injuries and was taken to a London hospital.

Police on the ring road on Monday

The IOPC said earlier this week that the man was critically ill and has confirmed this morning that his condition is still critical.

The watchdog’s investigation will look at the circumstances of the man's fall and the actions of the police in the lead up to the accident.

A spokesman from the watchdog added: "We sent investigators to the police post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence and declared an independent investigation shortly after 1pm.

"We will be liaising with the man’s family to explain our role. So far we have taken initial accounts from the officers involved. We are also appealing for any witnesses to contact us."

Traffic was gridlocked on the ring road on Monday

As emergency services dealt with the incident, a road closure was put in place in Exchange Road that blocked traffic from driving towards the flyover above Watford town centre, leading to gridlock as traffic was diverted down Upton Road.

Road closures were lifted by 2.30pm.

Anyone with information can contact the IOPC at exchangeroad@policeconduct.gov.uk or on 0300 303 5724.

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