Boy, 6, hit by police car on zebra crossing

The incident took place on Frankrijklei, near the National Bank, at around 9.30. The boy was on a school trip. The police officers were driving with priority, using sirens and flashing lights, to intercept another vehicle. “The police had received a report of a drunk driver. When the vehicle in question was spotted, a team gave chase,” says Kato Belmans of the public prosecutor’s office.

The car initially drove on the tram tracks but then had to swerve back into the traffic lane. This is when the collision occurred. The child was briefly in a life-threatening condition, but is now out of danger and his condition is stable.

In a brief statement, the police said their “thoughts were with the young victim, his family and classmates”. “We hope his condition improves quickly,” said spokesperson Wouter Bruyns.

The officers involved are “deeply affected” and are receiving support. The driver who was being pursued was apprehended and tested positive in a breathalyser test.