A Metropolitan Police dog handler narrowly escaped serious injury after a collision on Eastern Avenue in Ilford involving a newly deployed £60,000 Volvo dog unit vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 10:25 p.m. on November 14, closing the road eastbound at the junction with Ashurst Drive.
According to witnesses, the police vehicle was reportedly involved in a front-end collision with a car reversing out of a driveway, although this detail has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated that specialist officers are conducting a thorough investigation at the scene to determine the exact circumstances.
The collision left the police vehicle, which had only recently been put into service from Chadwell Heath, with significant front-end damage. However, the dog on board was unharmed in the collision
Emergency services responded promptly to the incident. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and doctors attended to assess those involved, while the London Fire Brigade was called to manage fuel spillage on the road, ensuring the area and vehicle were safe for recovery.
Due to the incident, Eastern Avenue southbound was temporarily closed, causing diversions for local bus routes 66, 296, and 396. The road was finally reopened after police cleared the scene at 11:38 p.m.
Further details from the Metropolitan Police are awaited as investigations continue.
