Man dies after 999 police car crash

An investigation is under way following the death of a motorist after a collision with a police car responding to a firearms incident in Somerset.

The crash happened at the junction of the A39 near Catcott village just before 10.30am on Monday.

A 77-year-old man and a woman in her 70s were travelling in a Nissan Primera which collided with the vehicle carrying armed officers. The police car was marked and had its blue lights on.

The elderly pair, both from Stockport, were taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. The man died several hours later. The woman's injuries are not described as life-threatening. Two male police officers were treated for minor injuries.

An inquiry has been launched by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "The incident involving a road policing unit vehicle attending a firearms incident was in collision with another car at the junction of the A39 with Catcott village.

"The occupants of a Nissan Primera - a 77-year-old man and a woman in her 70s, both from Stockport - were taken to Musgrove Park Hospital at Taunton. The man died a number of hours later.

"The woman's injuries are described as serious but not life threatening or life-changing. Two police officers, both men, were taken to Weston General Hospital and were later released with minor injuries.

"The matter has now been voluntarily referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)."

Anyone who saw the collision is asked to call police on 0845 4567000.