A routine patrol took an unexpected turn in south Devon on Tuesday when a police vehicle veered off the road and ended up balanced precariously atop a hedge.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 BST on the B3392 near the village of St Ann’s Chapel, a quiet stretch of road frequented by local traffic and agricultural vehicles. According to Devon and Cornwall Police, the vehicle was responding to duties in the area when the crash happened.
Images shared on social media shortly after the incident showed the marked police car teetering on a thick hedge bordering the rural
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed no injuries after one of their vehicles crashed into a hedge near St Ann’s Chapel on the B3392. The single-vehicle incident temporarily shut the road as recovery teams worked to remove the stranded car.
. The peculiar resting position of the vehicle drew attention from residents and motorists alike, with some describing it as “a scene straight out of a comedy sketch.”
Despite the dramatic appearance of the crash, police quickly confirmed that no injuries were sustained in the single-vehicle accident. “No members of the public or officers were harmed,” a police spokesperson said, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine what caused the driver to lose control.
Authorities temporarily closed the B3392 in both directions to facilitate safe recovery of the vehicle. Recovery teams were dispatched shortly after 1 p.m., and the road remained shut for over two hours. The vehicle was successfully removed, and normal traffic flow resumed at approximately 14:45 BST.
The crash caused minor traffic delays in the area but did not lead to any significant disruption to nearby communities. Locals expressed both concern and amusement at the sight, with several stopping to observe the unusual positioning of the police car.
Devon and Cornwall Police have not released the name of the officer involved but confirmed that standard post-incident protocols were being followed.
The B3392, while generally considered a low-risk route, is known for its narrow lanes and sharp bends, especially near rural villages like St Ann’s Chapel. Some residents have previously called for improved signage and reduced speed limits in the area.
An official investigation will assess whether mechanical failure, driver error, or environmental factors contributed to the crash. The police force has reassured the public that it takes such incidents seriously and that officer safety and training are continually reviewed.
The event has sparked conversations online, with some questioning the safety of rural patrol routes and others simply relieved that the outcome was not worse. As of now, the road is open, and no further disruptions are expected.
