A police watchdog has confirmed that a man fell from a moving ambulance on a major road in Watford while being accompanied by a police officer.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has said the man, 46, is currently critically ill in hospital following the incident on April 12 in Exchange Road around 10.15am.

Emergency services had swarmed the area for several hours on Monday, with several police cars and ambulances at the scene while an air ambulance was also called.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said a man in his 40s suffered serious injuries after falling from a moving vehicle.

Watford Observer: Police in Exchange Road yesterdayPolice in Exchange Road yesterday

Read more - Main Watford road closed after man falls from vehicle

The IOPC says it was notified by Hertfordshire Constabulary that a man fell from an ambulance while being accompanied by a police officer.

A spokesperson from the IOPC said: “We can confirm we have begun an independent investigation into the actions of the police concerning an incident in Watford, Hertfordshire, in which a 46-year-old man was injured and is currently critically ill in hospital.

“We sent investigators to the police post-incident procedures to begin gathering evidence and declared an independent investigation shortly after 1pm.

“We will be liaising with the man’s family to explain our role.”

Watford Observer: Police in Exchange Road yesterday (photo Adam Rabinovitch)Police in Exchange Road yesterday (photo Adam Rabinovitch)

The spokesperson added that the investigation will look at the circumstances of the incident and the actions of the police prior to it.

“So far we have taken initial accounts from the officers involved,” they said.

“We are also appealing for any witnesses to contact us at exchangeroad@policeconduct.gov.uk or on 0300 303 5724."

As emergency services dealt with the incident yesterday, a road closure was put in place in Exchange Road that blocked traffic from driving towards the flyover above Watford town centre, leading to gridlock as traffic was diverted down Upton Road.

The closures were lifted at around 2.30pm.