A schoolgirl is in a serious condition in hospital after being knocked down by a police van.
The 10-year-old was transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by helicopter after being hit by the van in Elgin.
Last night, it emerged the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) is investigating the incident, which happened on the A941 Lossiemouth road on Saturday night.
The girl was taken to the town’s Dr Gray’s Hospital immediately, but was later airlifted to ARI with “serious” injuries.
The male police officer was carrying out routine patrols at the time, on a stretch of road with a 40mph limit.
The van’s bonnet was badly dented by the force of the impact.
Residents have described the chaotic scenes that unfolded in the aftermath of the incident.
One man said he saw paramedics treating the injured girl by the side of the road.
Another neighbour said that police officers were “everywhere” for several hours afterwards.
The collision happened at 6.50pm, near the junction with Gray’s Walk and yards north of the playground on Nelson Square.
A stretch of the A941 between the Bonnie Earl pub and the Jet filling station remained closed for hours afterwards as investigators examined the scene.
Yesterday, police appealed for anyone who had seen the accident to come forward.
Sergeant Rob Warnock, from the road policing unit, said: “Inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are at an early stage.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw the police van or the female pedestrian, immediately prior to the incident to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
But last night, a spokesman said the force would not be able to comment any further on the matter.
He said: “The incident is now under investigation by Pirc.
“As is standard procedure in these cases, no further information will be issued by Police Scotland at this time.”
Pirc was formerly known as the Police Complaints Commission, and was formed along with Police Scotland in 2013.
The body operates independently, and investigates the “most serious incidents involving the police”.
Elgin City North councillor Patsy Gowans said the community’s thoughts were with the wounded youngster and her family.
She said: “The facts involved here will be established, and I’m sure that process has already begun.
“But everybody’s main concern is the wee girl, and it’s important that her mum and dad are supported through this very distressing time.”
The housing in the area is predominantly used by families attached to RAF Lossiemouth.
The accident was the second in Moray involving the emergency services in as many days.
On Friday morning, two people were injured when an ambulance transporting a patient to Dr Gray’s collided with a silver BMW on a stretch of the A96 near Lhanbryde.
