Arrests as emergency crews hurt in South Benfleet crash

Three people have been arrested after paramedics and an on-duty police officer were shot while responding to a crash scene in Essex.

Emergency services were first called at around 00:15 GMT following a single-vehicle collision involving a white Nissan X-Trail on the A130 in South Benfleet.

While at the scene, five emergency responders were struck by the second crash involving a white Ford Transit van. Two of them – a paramedic and a police officer – remain in serious condition in hospital.

An investigation has been launched, with police appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Those questioned by the police are as follows:

• A 23-year-old man from Canvey has been charged on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, motor vehicle theft and impaired driving by drink or drugs
• A 29-year-old man from Westcliff has been charged on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a Class B or Class C drug and taking charge of a vehicle while in poor health due to drink or drugs.
• A 39-year-old man from Canvey is suspected of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while impaired by drink or drugs.

Essex Police said the paramedic and police officer suffered serious injuries.

It was stated that the accidents occurred on the southbound A130 motorway, between the junctions of Rayleigh Spur and Sadlers Farm.

Officers closed the A130 between Sadlers Farm and the A1245 Bonville Roundabout leading to the A13 while they carried out an investigation.

The roads were later reopened.

Ch Supt Morgan Cronin said: “The thoughts of everyone at Essex Police are with the emergency workers who were injured while responding to this incident; both they and their families are being provided support from the force.”