Five hurt as police chase van blows up

Aug 2 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

Van fire

A VAN exploded into flames after a police chase last night, leaving five people needing hospital treatment for burns.

Police said last night there was nothing to suggest a terrorist link.

The white Transit van was travelling along Park Road in Toxteth just after 10pm when witnesses described seeing a huge explosion.

Inspector George Dawson said: “A police car was pursuing the van at low speed. It pulled over and exploded.

“One occupant I believe had serious burns and is being treated in hospital.

“Four police officers with burns injuries were also taken to hospital.

“The fire was extinguished and we cordoned off the area.”

It was unknown last night how seriously the officers were injured and investigations were continuing.

A bomb disposal unit was called in to assess the scene.

Insp Dawson added: “There is no indication of a terrorist link.”

Rob Reid, who lives in the area, said: “My girlfriend’s brother saw bits of it from his home, he said the flames were as high as a house and her nan can’t go home because her house is in the cordon, she has got to stay at my girlfriend’s parents’ house.

“There are loads of police around the area and everyone came running out to see what had happened.

“It is quite scary, living on top of it and the thought it might be a terrorist attack worries me a lot”.