Traffic officer struck by van at roadworks

Police are appealing for witnesses after a Highways Agency traffic officer was struck by a van which failed to stop at roadworks in Lancashire.

The collision happened last Friday on the northbound carriageway of the M6 at Bamber Bridge, just prior to the junction 29 exit slip road at Cuerden.

A small white van struck a Highways Traffic officer who was carrying out a temporary closure of the M6 while a maintenance crew were filling a hole in the carriageway.

The vehicle had driven along the hard shoulder and initially stopped at the road block before striking the officer and then continuing its journey without stopping, exiting at junction 29.

The officer was taken by ambulance to Royal Preston Hospital suffering with a neck injury and bruising and was later released.

PC Stuart Rawsthorne, who is leading the investigation, said: “This incident occurred on a busy motorway and is highly likely to have been witnessed by passing motorists.

“We would urge anyone who knows the whereabouts of this van and its driver or who saw the collision to contact us as soon as possible.

“The traffic officer, who was simply carrying out his duties, luckily escaped serious injury in the incident.”