The police watchdog is investigating an accident that left a talented young footballer in a coma after it emerged officers left him close to the Aberdeen bypass shortly before he was struck by a van.
Flynn Scott, 18, is fighting for his life in hospital after being struck by a Mercedes Sprinter near the A944 Kingswells, Westhill and Alford junction of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR).
The Press and Journal has learned that Flynn was picked up by police officers in the city centre of Aberdeen and dropped off close to the bypass in the early hours of morning.
The collision with the van happened just before 2am on Sunday May 29.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) has confirmed that there was “police interaction” with the teenager in the period before the accident.
Friends of the Westdyke Community Club Under 18s captain have said he was dropped in the area by police after drinking alcohol elsewhere in the city.
He’s currently in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s intensive care unit where he is receiving treatment for life-changing injuries. It is understood he has been in a coma for 10 days.
The questions police watchdog will want answered
A PIRC spokesperson said: “About 0155 hours on Sunday 29 May 2022, an 18-year-old pedestrian was struck by a van and critically injured on the A90 near Aberdeen.
“The PIRC are investigating police interaction with the injured party in the lead up to the collision.
“Following our investigation, a report will be submitted to the Chief Constable.”
The independent regulator can probe incidents involving the police, such as the serious injury of a person following police contact.
Investigators, who hold the same powers and privileges of a police constable, will be working towards answering a series of questions.
They include:
- When, where and why did police become involved with Flynn?
- Was police interaction with Flynn appropriate and consistent with standard operating procedures?
- When and where was Flynn last seen by police and in what condition was he left?
- Was Flynn left by police in a position and place of safety, and if not, why not?
The Press and Journal asked Police Scotland to comment on claims that Flynn was left near the bypass and wasn’t taken home.
A spokeswoman responded: “That matter has been referred to the PIRC therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
In a Facebook post yesterday, one of Flynn’s family said he is “fighting every step of the way”.
The relative wrote: “Since Sunday the 29th of May my little cousin Flynn Scott has been in a coma fighting every step of the way, he has his whole family and everyone else behind him to keep that going”.
And members of Flynn’s football club have sent their “thoughts and prayers”.
Westdyke Community Club said: “Your Westdyke family are all rooting for you – always here for you, sending so much love and strength”.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with our @WestdykeCC04 Captain and his family, friends and team mates, after a serious road accident last weekend. Your Westdyke family are all rooting for you – always here for you, sending so much love and strength 💙🤍🖤
— Westdyke Community Club (@westdykecc) May 31, 2022
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