Police car flips onto roof outside Southend police station blocking the busy road

A police flipped onto its roof outside the police station on Victoria Avenue in Southend while responding to an incident.

The crash occurred at around 12.55pm at the junction leading into the station car park.

Two ambulances were at the scene, along with an Ambulance Operational Commander unit. It has not been confirmed if any injuries were sustained by police officers in the car.

The road is blocked and traffic is building quickly in the city-centre area. Bus services are also being disrupted as a result of the closure. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes into Southend city centre.

A spokesperson for Essex Police confirmed the incident: “We have closed the junction of Victoria Avenue and Great Eastern Avenue following a single-vehicle collision in Southend. It was reported that at about 12.55pm a police car was involved in a collision while responding to an incident and is currently blocking the road.

“We expect this incident to cause disruption to the surrounding road network. Drivers should check before they travel and plan accordingly.”

Police officers are at the scene managing the incident, helping to turn buses around which were stuck behind the crash.

The road closure is expected to remain in force while the vehicle is recovered and investigations continue. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and allow extra time for alternative routes.

A police response car previously crashed in the city centre opposite Southend Victoria Station in an incident in September 2024. On that occasion the vehicle was heavily damaged and the officers involved escaped without serious injury.