Two police officers among three injured in five-car motorway crash as woman arrested

Sussex Police confirmed a 23-year-old woman is in custody under suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and driving without a license or insurance

Shocking images from the scene of the collision show one patrol car wrecked at the side of the major carriageway (

Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Two police officers have been injured after a five-car crash on a major motorway.

Three people, including the officers, were injured in the collision which happened on the M23 between Junction 10 (Crawley) and Junction 8, Sussex Police confirmed.

The force added that a 23-year-old woman is in custody suspicion of driving while high on drugs, and driving without a license and insurance.

The road remains closed northbound between Junction 10 and Junction 8. National Highways South East confirmed the news on Twitter on Saturday (March 26).

Shocking images from the scene of the collision show one patrol car wrecked at the side of the major carriageway.

The vehicle’s back wheel was ripped from its place in the crash, and the back door was left crumpled with dents.

The photos show that the airbag on the driver’s side was also released in the crash.

The road will remain closed for several more hours, according to National Highways
(

Image:

Sussex News and Pictures)

A driver who passed the crash scene on the opposite side of the M23 said: “You could clearly see the two wrecked police cars with more officers on the road trying to maintain the scene and stop traffic.

“Drivers on the other side from the smash were slowing down to have a look which made conditions going south more dangerous.”

In a statement this afternoon, Sussex Police appealed for witnesses to the five-car pile up, which left two police officers injured.

It read: “Police are appealing for witnesses following a five-car collision on the M23 near Patcham just after 11:05am on Saturday (March 26).

“Officers responded to an Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) hit on a black Audi which was traveling at excessive speed northbound on the M23.

“This resulted in a five-car collision on the motorway, including two police cars who were not part of the pursuit.

“Three people, including two police officers, have sustained injuries as a result of the collision.

“Junction nine of the M23 remains closed. It is not yet clear when the road will re-open and drivers are advised to find alternative routes to their destination.

“A 23-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, driving without a license and driving without insurance.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is asked to email [email protected] or call 101 quoting serial number 223 of 03/26.”

Emergency services are working at the scene, with Sussex Police leading the response operation. National Highways have asked people to allow extra time for journeys and find alternative routes where possible.

There is a diversion route in place to the M25 via the A264 Eastbound to Felbridge and the A22 Northbound to rejoin at Junction 6, Godstone, Surrey. The relevant emergency services have been contacted for comment.

National Highways has said the road closures will remain in place for a number of hours.

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