POLICE are investigating after a patrol car rushing to aid a person trapped in a fire was smashed in a collision in Gravesend today.

The police patrol car was responding to the emergency call at 11.50am when it collided with another vehicle and a pedestrian on Valley Drive.

The pedestrian escaped unhurt, while the police officer suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

The driver of the other vehicle was taken to Darent Valley Hospital with minor injuries.

Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is currently examining the circumstances around the incident. 

A Kent Police spokesman said: "A police patrol was responding to an emergency call to a report of persons trapped in a fire at 11.50am on Tuesday 10 December when it was in collision with another vehicle and a pedestrian.

"The driver of the vehicle has been taken to hospital with minor injuries, while the pedestrian was unhurt.

"The police officer suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital attendance.

"Both the police car and the other vehicle have sustained significant damage."

A South East Coast Ambulance spokesman said one ambulance crew was sent to the scene shortly after 12pm.

Valley Drive is currently closed at the junction with Winchester Crescent and St Aidens Way.