Two police officers on emergency call critically injured in crash

Two police officers have been seriously injured in a crash in Kent while responding to an emergency call.

A Ford Focus police car and a blue Volkswagen Scirocco collided on the westbound A20 London Road at the junction with Button Street, in Farningham, near Swanley.

It happened at about 19:45 GMT on Thursday.

The two officers are in a critical condition, while a member of the public is in a serious condition.

All three were taken to a London hospital for medical treatment.

An investigation is under way and a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Kent Police said.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage is urged to contact the force.

Neil Mennie, chairman of Kent Police Federation, said its thoughts were with the injured officers.

"This sad incident reminds us of the risks our colleagues face each and every day keeping people safe and catching criminals," he said.

"It can of course be a dangerous profession, and our colleagues face that challenge with bravery and courage."

Mennie added: "We also spare a thought for our colleagues who attended the traumatic scene last night and all those working across Kent today.

"Having to carry on policing today as normal when their thoughts will very much be with our injured colleagues and their families."

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