A non league youngster has been described to be in a critical condition after being hit by police car on Boxing Day, according to reports.
A police watchdog is investigating the incident, which saw the 15-year-old boy, named Khia Whirehead, from Stockport knocked down while officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were responding to a domestic call.
He was given trauma care for a head injury at the scene by officers, before being taken to hospital in an ambulance, where he remains in a critical condition.
The 15-year-old suffered serious head injuries in the incident in Stockporthttps://t.co/LgDJPchm6c
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) December 29, 2020
In a statement, GMP said: “At around 9.30pm on Saturday 26 December 2020, officers were responding to a domestic disturbance incident when they were involved in a collision with a pedestrian on Garners Lane in Stockport.
“Police stopped and administered trauma care to a 15-year-old boy until the ambulance arrived. The boy has since been taken to hospital with a serious head injury where he remains in a critical condition.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it is investigating the circumstances of the incident.
“After being notified by Greater Manchester Police, we sent investigators to the scene and the police post-incident procedure to begin our enquiries and to start gathering evidence,” said a spokesperson.
“Our thoughts are with the family and anyone else affected by this incident.”
Prayers going out to our u16s player Khia. Keep fighting mate 🙏💚 pic.twitter.com/feN6kojSdP
— Spurley Hey FC (@SPURLEYHEYFC) December 30, 2020
Superintendent Marcus Noden, GMP’s divisional commander for Stockport, said: “This is a terribly sad incident and our thoughts are with the young boy and his loved ones, who are being offered support by our specially-trained officers during this distressing time.
“This is an incident that police officers wish to never occur, and support is also being offered to the officers involved in last night’s events.
“It is important that a thorough and independent investigation now takes place, and the IOPC will be leading with their enquiries into this incident; therefore it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
Spurley Hey JFC wrote a statement: “Everyone at Spurley Hey FC sends our love and prayers for Khia and family, praying for a full recovery. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you at such a difficult time and tragic incident. Fight on Khia, we’re with you!!”
Since the incident, a Greater Manchester Police officer has been suspended from driving after the boy was knocked down by a police car and left fighting for his life.
In a statement GMP said: “The driver of the police vehicle has been suspended from driving police vehicles pending the investigation outcomes. This is in line with the driver standards policy.”
The incident has been referred to both GMP’s internal watchdog and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The non league community reacted with youngster in a critical condition after being hit by a police car…
@StockportTownFC: The thoughts and prayers of all at Stockport Town are with you
@natainscough: Sending love from Reddish North End x
@PaulHodson_: Thoughts are with you and your family Khia. Keep fighting young man
@AFCOldham: Keep fighting Khia.
@CheadleHGalaxy: Keep fighting pal everyone is behind you.
@7sRaven: Thoughts and prayers from Coalville Town. Fight hard young man
@avenue_football: Prayers and thoughts from Avenue Fc , keep fighting son
@barrylawson07: Speed recovery young man.
@bluestar_fc: Awful event. Hoping for positive updates..from a fellow GR club
@Benjib68555016: Stay strong fella. Thoughts are with you and your family x
@gazwilde: Keep fighting son
@kyle_lord2: Keep fighting Khia
@ChaddyCottAFC: As our badge says – simul ut unum. Together as one keep fighting Khia
@SouthParkU12: Lots of prayers coming from our U12 side for Khia and support for his family. Such a tragic story and one that we hope ends in a positive way. Keep battling young Khia
@dannykay8: Say a prayer for this young lad, hope he pulls through x
@cplatty9: Smashing lad and looks a tasty player
@non_secretary: Our prayers go out for this young man and his family, a sad sad story.
@FordSierra2: I hope the Officer is ok, aswell as the 15 year old
@ForeverAYellow: Such sad news that, really hope he can pull through and he’ll be able to live his life to the best he can after this. But have left him traumatised, same as the officer. Will hope for better news off the back of this as the days go on. Touching to see so many thoughtful messages from fans online
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