Cheriton Road crash. Picture: Max Hess

by Thom Morris

tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

A man is in hospital after being hit by a police car as he walked across a zebra crossing in Folkestone.

The incident happened at 2.15pm yesterday at Cheriton Road outside the central railway station.

The man in his 40s was walking across the pedestrian crossing when he was hit by the car.

Officers from the serious collision investigation unit are now appealing for witnesses following the smash which involved the marked police patrol car that was not on an emergency call.

The road was closed in both directions while specialist forensic collision investigators carried out work at the scene.

Kent police has referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Detective Sergeant Scott Lynch, from Kent Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: "The collision occurred along a busy street and we are keen to trace and speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident as they may have valuable information that could help us with our enquiries."