Appeal following serious collision in Taunton

We are appealing for witnesses following a serious collision in the East Reach area of Taunton yesterday evening (Friday 6 November).

While on patrol in the Taunton area late Friday evening (6 November), officers in a marked police car identified a vehicle which was not displaying a front number plate.

Officers activated their lights and sirens and the vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The suspect vehicle drove into Taunton city centre and was involved in a collision with a pedestrian in their seventies.

Officers halted the pursuit and provided emergency treatment to the pedestrian, who was then taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries where they remain.

Their next of kin have been informed and we are providing them with updates as the investigation develops.

The officers and staff involved in the pursuit are also being provided with the appropriate support.

Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody. A man, aged 23, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and two women, aged 24 and 21, have been arrested on suspicion of taking without consent.

We are aware that several witnesses were in the area and may have witnessed the collision or the moments before and after.

The incident happened at around 11.15pm and the vehicle involved is an Audi A3.

The road was closed in both directions while enquiries are carried out, but reopened at around 12.30pm.

The public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area to provide reassurance.

If you have any information and have not yet spoken with police, please contact 101 and quote reference 5226360682.

We are liaising with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as is procedure in incidents of this matter.