POLICE were injured in a road crash on their way to help deal with a violent incident.

Their van was in collision with a car in Upper Lydbrook on Saturday morning, August 24, after other officers had requested help at a disturbance in Culver Street, Newent.

An off-duty paramedic and Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) member stopped to help those injured in the 11am collision until an ambulance arrived.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "Police were called to Culver Street following concerns for the welfare of a man who was acting suspiciously.

"Officers attended and the man became violent which resulted in more officers being asked to assist.

"A 23-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of driving whilst under the influence, assaulting a police officer and shoplifting.

"The officers who were also asked to attend were involved in a collision with a car in Upper Lydbrook whilst en-route to the scene.

"The occupants of the police van and car sustained minor injuries which were assessed by paramedics."

A man was later charged with assaulting an emergency worker, two counts of criminal damage and failing to provide a specimen.

He was released on bail until Wednesday, September 11.