Dramatic images have emerged showing a police car left precariously suspended 20 feet (6 meters) above the edge of Worcester Bridge following a crash. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at approximately 8pm in Worcester city centre, as officers were responding to an emergency call.
Officers Escape Unharmed in Italian Job-Style Mishap
The two officers involved had what witnesses described as a "lucky escape" from what has been called an "Italian Job-style" mishap. Their patrol vehicle crashed into the historic bridge, leaving it dangling above the water with significant damage to the structure.
Police Investigation Underway
West Mercia Police have confirmed that their Professional Standards Department is investigating the collision. Initially, the force reported that a second vehicle belonging to a member of the public had struck the police car from behind, but they have since updated this information.
A police spokesperson stated: "Enquiries are on-going after a police car collided with Worcester Bridge shortly before 8pm yesterday. The officers were responding to an incident when the collision occurred. There was no second vehicle involved as previously reported. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident."
Historic Bridge Sustains Significant Damage
The 900-year-old Worcester Bridge, which is Grade II-listed and appears on Historic England's National Heritage register, sustained substantial damage in the crash. The collision left one side of the bridge closed, causing major traffic disruptions during the Wednesday morning commute.
Traffic Chaos and Public Reaction
The bridge closure created what local residents described as "total gridlock" in the area. Sonia Kostrzewska, a local resident, wrote on social media: "Over 90 minutes one way to get the kids to school. Ridiculous." Another resident, Tamara Hardy, commented: "It was total gridlock, all because some coppers decided to have an Italian Job-style moment."
Complex Restoration Work Ahead
A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson explained that because the bridge is listed on the National Heritage List for Historic England, restoration work will be "incredibly complex" and will need to be carried out in coordination with multiple partners.
The council spokesperson detailed: "We visited the site shortly after the incident with our contractors to assess the bridge. Our initial inspection confirmed the bridge remains safe to use and the damage is limited to the parapet. More robust barriers will be installed to allow the inbound lanes to reopen and restore pedestrian access."
Bridge History and Structural Assessment
The crossing has been at the centre of Worcester for 900 years, though the current structure has connected the city centre with the St John's district since 1781. The bridge was widened in 1841 when pavements were installed on both sides, and further widened in 1932 to accommodate modern traffic.
The council confirmed that a full structural inspection will follow the initial assessment, after which necessary repair works will progress. They also noted that arrangements will be made to recover materials from the river when it is safe to do so.
The Professional Standards Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision as the community deals with the ongoing traffic disruptions and prepares for what promises to be a complex restoration of their historic bridge.
