Technician dies after ambulance on 999 call hit by object

A technician has died after the ambulance he was in was hit by an object while en route to a 999 call.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said the vehicle's windscreen was hit on the A49 near the village of Moreton on Lugg, Herefordshire, at 08:00 BST.

A spokeswoman said two ambulance crews, paramedics, the air ambulance and two doctors were called to the scene.

However, she said "despite everyone's best efforts, nothing could be done to save our colleague".

She said the driver was also injured and was taken to hospital for treatment.

He has since been discharged.

West Mercia Police said the ambulance was struck while heading towards Leominster near the A49's junction with Moreton Road, north of Hereford, and have asked anyone with information about what happened to get in touch.

"Our thoughts are with the deceased's loved ones and our colleagues in West Midlands Ambulance Service at this difficult time," a force spokesman said.

WMAS chief executive Anthony Marsh said it was "truly awful news".

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of those involved at this very difficult time," he added.

"I am enormously proud of all the staff and the university students [working] as part of their clinical placement that worked so hard and professionally to try to save our colleague.

"I am sorry that despite their best efforts, he could not be saved."