Police have confirmed it was one of their own employees driving the Royal Mail van that hit an 87-year-old man in Sittingbourne.

It happened just outside the post office in Central Avenue at around midday on Friday.

Police confirmed it was one of their staff members driving but would not say why they were behind the wheel for “operational reasons”.

Following the accident, the road was cordoned off for several hours and officers could be seen examining the tyres of the van.

A police spokesman said: “The red van was being driven by a Kent Police employee, with the authority of the van’s owner, at the time of the collision.

“For operational reasons we cannot elaborate on the reason it was being driven.

“The police employee concerned is not under arrest, under suspension or on restricted duties.”

The pensioner, who was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital with bleeding to the head, nose and hands, has now been released and is recovering at home.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing and police continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538.

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