Biker injured in paramedic crash

Police say the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions

A motorcyclist has sustained "critical" injuries in a crash with an ambulance service rapid response car in Somerset.

The South Western Ambulance vehicle was answering a 999 call when it collided with the motorcycle coming in the other direction at Norton Fitzwarren.

The rider, a man in his late 20s, was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in nearby Taunton by a following ambulance after the incident at about 1730 GMT.

Diversions were put in place at the B3227 in Cotford St Luke.

'Tragic collision'

The "very experienced" paramedic driver was not injured in the collision, but was left suffering from shock.

He has not been suspended but is not expected to work for some days, a South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust spokeswoman said.

An internal trust investigation will take place alongside the police inquiry.

Trust spokeswoman Lynn Paramor said it was an "unfortunate and tragic road traffic collision".

Avon and Somerset Police have appealed for witnesses.