Police car catches fire after crashing into gas line during high speed chase in Kingswood

A police car has been burnt out after crashing during a high speed chase - causing a home in Kingswood to be evacuated due to a gas leak.

The incident occured on the Mill Lane/Tower Road South junction where two vehicles collided, eventually damaging a gas line.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a vehicle belonging to the service had been damaged.

A spokesperson said: “While responding to an emergency incident at around 5am this morning (October 6), a police car and member of the public’s car collided, causing the police car to hit a wall on Wesley Lane, in Cadbury Heath.

“The collision also damaged a gas line. Gas engineers are at the scene repairing the line and the road was closed while police, fire and ambulance attended. The roads have now reopened.”

It is believed the occupant of the other car received minor treatment from paramedics at the scene but did not require further medical attention.

Avon Fire and Rescue confirmed nearby residents were evacuated but have since returned to their home.

A spokesperson said: “Crews from Kingswood were called at 05:07 to reports of a road traffic collision involving two vehicles on Wesley Lane, Cadbury Heath.

“On arrival, firefighters found two cars well alight.

“Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two high pressure hose reels to extinguish the blaze.

“The local area was evacuated due to a gas leak caused by the collision, the properties have since been made safe and residents have returned to their homes.”