IOPC investigation update following police van collision in Maryport

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is criminally investigating the actions of a Cumbria Constabulary officer in connection to a collision in Maryport in which two children were injured.

We received a referral from Cumbria Constabulary after the incident on 18 April 2026, in which an unoccupied police vehicle rolled downhill and struck two girls.

Our investigation, which is being carried out independently of the police, has undertaken investigative work gathering and reviewing evidence from the scene.

Based on the available information at this time, the police constable who was driving the van has been advised they are under criminal investigation for the following possible offences:

• Leaving a motor vehicle unattended in breach of Regulation 107 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, thereby constituting an offence under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
• Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position contrary to Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The officer has also been served with a gross misconduct notice for potential breaches of police standards for professional behaviour, in relation to duties and responsibilities and orders and instructions. The serving of notices does not necessarily mean that criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings will follow.

IOPC Director of Engagement Amanda Rowe said: “Our sympathies remain with the girls, their friends and families and everyone else affected. We hope the girls continue to recover well from the injuries sustained.

“Our role is to independently investigate the involvement of police in this collision to establish the circumstances. The conduct notice relates to the actions and decisions of the officer, specifically an indication that the officer may have failed to correctly park and secure the van, and whether that was in line with training, policy and procedure.

“We have spoken to the girls’ families to explain our role and will keep them updated as our work progresses.”

After we were notified by the force of the incident, IOPC investigators have been reviewing evidence including obtaining and analysing CCTV, police body worn video and dash-cam footage. A vehicle examination has also taken place which has shown there were no vehicle defects.