Police are under investigation after a man fell out of a moving ambulance in Watford.

The 46-year-old had fallen from the emergency vehicle which was travelling on the ring road by the town centre while being accompanied by a police officer on Monday.

The man suffered serious injuries and was taken to a London hospital. He is currently in a critical condition.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said it made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the incident just after 10am.

Watford Observer:

The IOPC has now launched an independent investigation into the actions of police as an officer was with the man at the time of the accident.

The watchdog’s investigation will look at the circumstances of the man's fall and the actions of the police in the lead up to the accident.

A spokesman from the IOPC added: “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.

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

Emergency services swarmed the ring road on Monday following the incident, with several police cars and ambulances at the scene while an air ambulance was also called.

Watford Observer:

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.

Road closures were lifted by 2.30pm.

Anyone with information can contact the IOPC at exchangeroad@policeconduct.gov.uk or on 0300 303 5724.

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