AN investigation has been launched after a police vehicle struck an elderly pedestrian causing "life-changing" injuries.

It is understood the female victim suffered serious leg and pelvic injuries in the collision close to Waitrose in Heavitree Road, Exeter.

The vehicle involved was an unmarked white Ford Transit van owned by Devon and Cornwall police. It was being driven by a police officer.

The 81-year-old woman, who lives locally, was rushed to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital by ambulance just after 7.30am on Wednesday, January 18.

A walking aid used by the elderly was seen next to the police van.

Sergeant Jane Corkhill, who attended the scene, said: "The collision involved an unmarked white police van, which was in collision an elderly woman. She has been taken to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.

"The officer was not injured. She was taken back to Heavitree Road police station.

"She was involved in a serious incident and like any member of the public she needs to be treated with sensitivity."

She said the incident would be referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, and traffic officers from the serious collision unit in Plymouth were also investigating.

Sgt Corkhill appealed for any witnesses to the incident to contact police.

Officers also want to know where the pensioner had been prior to the incident.

She said the police vehicle was not on an emergency call-out at the time. It was not equipped with blue lights or sirens.

Heavitree Road was closed and traffic was diverted along Gladstone Road. It was due to reopen around five hours after the incident.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: "We received a call at 7.36am and were at the scene just a minute later.

"An elderly woman had been in collision with a car and she had suffered a serious leg injury. She was transported to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital at around 8am."

The woman suffered serious injuries to her pelvis and leg. She is believed to have suffered a fracture that is likely to be life-changing.

Photographer James Millar, who attended the scene, said: "I saw a white van in the road and what looked like a walking frame next to it.

"The van had damage to its windscreen and front left wing. The road was closed and traffic was building up around the surrounding area."

One passerby, Caroline Davis, 24, a university student, said: "All I saw was the buggy lying in the road. It did not look very nice at all, but I didn't know it was a police van involved. I just hope the lady is okay."

Witnesses to the collision should call police on the non-emergency number 101.