A Dunedin police officer is recovering at home after being struck by a courier van while on duty.
Acting Inspector Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said the female officer was hit while attending a crash near the Green Island off ramp in the Concord area of the Southern Motorway at 9.42pm on Tuesday.
The officer's patrol car was parked on the side of the road acting as a safety cordon for staff working at the crash scene while packing up the scene. The officer received minor injuries, he said.
She was wearing high-visibility clothing and the patrol car was displaying its flashing lights.
''The incident is being investigated, but initial indications suggest a passing motorist stopped on the road near the patrol car and an oncoming courier van driver braked heavily and swerved to avoid a collision,'' Insp Dinnissen said.
''The van has then skidded into the path of the officer and patrol vehicle.'' The officer leapt out of the way, but was struck by the front corner of the van.
''She was knocked to the ground and the van hit the right rear corner of the patrol car.''
Police would like to hear from the driver of the first car that stopped, he said.
That vehicle was described as a light-coloured sedan/hatchback being driven by an older woman.
Police would also like to hear from the driver of a light-coloured ute who stopped following the crash and offered further information.
It was a timely reminder to drivers, that when approaching accident sites, they needed to reduce speed to 20kmh for the safety of people actively working around the scene, Insp Dinnissen said.
-Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800555-111.
