A probe into how a man fell from a moving ambulance in Watford while being escorted by police has cleared officers of any wrongdoing.

More details have been revealed following the April 12 incident that saw a 46-year-old critically injured in Exchange Road at around 10.15am.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed Herts Police officers had been called to concerns for a man’s welfare after which he was being moved to another hospital.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “During the transfer and while the ambulance was moving, the man opened the rear door and fell from the vehicle.

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

“A police officer accompanying him was unable to prevent him from falling.

"The paramedics provided medical assistance to the man who sustained serious head injuries but is making a recovery."

The IOPC launched an investigation and found no indication that officers behaved in a way that justified disciplinary proceedings.

Graham Beesley, IOPC regional director, said: “This was an unfortunate event that resulted in a serious injury to a man.

Watford Observer: There was a heavy presence in Watford town centre.There was a heavy presence in Watford town centre.

“Our thoughts remain with him and his family as he continues to recover.

“We looked at all the evidence available to us and concluded that the actions of the police officers did not contribute to this incident.”

The probe involved looking at Computer Aided Dispatch records – used by emergency services’ call handlers – as well as ambulance photos and telematics monitoring the vehicle’s movements.

Crew and police officer statements were also taken.

Watford Observer: The incident caused heavy traffic around Watford.The incident caused heavy traffic around Watford.

After the incident there was a massive police presence for hours as officers worked at the scene and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance was also called.

It caused gridlock around the town centre with Exchange Road being closed and traffic diverted down Upton Road.

​Sign up for our weekly crime and court newsletter here and keep up to date with the latest crime news on our dedicated Facebook page here.