Full Breakdown
Police Car Crashes Through Ryde Pier Railings, Halting Ferry Service
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On Tuesday, October 13, at about 10:09 a.m., a marked police vehicle of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary collided with the railings of Ryde Pier, Isle of Wight. A taxi was also involved, leaving the police car partially suspended over the pier’s edge. Two officers were trapped inside; fire crews rescued them. The constabulary said the car was responding to an indecent-exposure incident in Wallace Court, Newport. No fatalities were reported, and the pier was closed while recovery work proceeded.
Background of Ryde Pier
Ryde Pier, opened on 26 July 1814, is the world’s oldest surviving seaside pleasure pier. It allows motor traffic at a 10 mph limit and serves the Portsmouth-to-Ryde FastCat ferry operated by Wightlink.
Timeline
- ? 10:09 a.m., Oct 13 – Police car and taxi collide with pier railings; two officers trapped.
- Shortly after – Fire and Rescue Service crews from Ryde and Shanklin free the officers; ambulance and coastguard units also attend.
- Midday – Recovery teams winch the police car back onto the pier and begin removal.
- Afternoon – Pier reopens to traffic in single file.
- 4:15 p.m., Oct 13 – Wightlink resumes the Portsmouth-Harbour to Ryde-Pier-Head FastCat sailing, followed by the 4:45 p.m. departure.
Data & Statistics
- Vehicles involved: Police car and taxi (rear-end damage).
- Injuries: Conflicting reports—some outlets say two officers were injured; the constabulary’s statement says none.
- Arrests: A 29-year-old Ryde man taken into custody on suspicion of indecent exposure.
- Service disruption: FastCat service suspended until the afternoon; alternative tickets offered on Hovertravel and the Fishbourne vehicle ferry.
- Pier status: Closed to vehicles and pedestrians until recovery work completed; traffic allowed in both directions but single file on reopening.
Official Statements & Responses
- Constabulary: Confirmed the car was en route to the Wallace Court incident and that the collision occurred on Ryde Pier.
- Fire and Rescue Service: Reported crews freed the two officers.
- Wightlink: Announced the temporary suspension and later the resumption of sailings at 4:15 p.m., noting that tickets could be used on alternative operators.
- Recovery teams: Described the winching operation that secured the police car and enabled the pier to reopen.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Injury reports: Metro and other outlets indicated two officers were injured, while the constabulary’s communication stated no injuries. The discrepancy remains unresolved.
- Pursuit details: The constabulary did not disclose whether officers were actively pursuing the suspect at the time of the collision.
Impact on Transport and Local Activity
The pier’s closure halted vehicular and pedestrian access, disrupting the FastCat ferry link between Portsmouth and Ryde. After service resumed later that day, traffic continued under single-file conditions and passengers were redirected to alternative ferry operators. The incident highlights the vulnerability of key transport infrastructure to sudden vehicular accidents.