AN investigation is underway after a boy was knocked off his e-scooter by a police vehicle near a south Essex train station.

Essex Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the incident, which left the e-scooter rider with minor injuries.

It is understood the boy's scooter was struck while he was riding near to Billericay Station, in Radford Way, on Sunday.

One eyewitness claims the police vehicle was travelling at “high speed”.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We have voluntarily referred ourselves to the IOPC, following a collision involving one of our police cars and a member of the public on an electric scooter.

“This occurred whilst police were responding to an incident in Basildon on Sunday.

“The member of the public, who was a juvenile received minor injuries.

“Whilst the referral is being made, we will not be commenting further.”

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The use of private e-scooters in public is currently illegal, but police did not say whether action would be taken against the rider who was hit.

Residents are only able to use rented e-scooters in Basildon at present, as part of a trial scheme run by Tier and Essex County Council.

The IOPC, which is independent from both police and the government, will now carry out an investigation into the incident.

Under its rules, all police forces in England must self-refer themselves to the watchdog following serious incidents, regardless of whether a member of the public has made a complaint.

The IOPC will now take witness statements, use CCTV evidence and other details surrounding the incident in Billericay before producing a final report with its findings. The Echo contacted the watchdog for comment but did not receive a response by print deadline.