Police officer investigated over motorway crash

A police officer is being investigated after a motorway crash which left a motorcyclist in a critical condition, the watchdog has confirmed.

The officer was driving a police vehicle when it collided head-on with a motorbike on the M53 motorway slip road, at Junction 2 Moreton Spur on 22 March.

The motorbike, which was being tracked by a police helicopter, was travelling the wrong way along the hard shoulder before the crash, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

The watchdog said the officer was under criminal investigation for potentially causing serious injury by dangerous driving and possible gross misconduct, in relation to the manner of driving.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said a "thorough and independent" investigation of the "very serious" crash would follow.

The biker remains in hospital and his condition is described as "improving".

"Serving notice on an officer does not necessarily mean that criminal or disciplinary proceedings will follow," Rowe said.

"We will decide whether to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, or if misconduct proceedings are required."

The IOPC said investigators were viewing footage of the incident and had obtained statements from a police witness.

They had also approached members of the public who may have witnessed the crash, the watchdog added.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.