The controversial new traffic system at Middleborough, Colchester, claimed its first victim on the afternoon it came into force - Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Tim Young.

Mr Young has blamed "complete confusion" among motorists after he was involved in an accident when a Ford Mondeo was in a collision with a policeman directing traffic while the lights were out of action.

The officer suffered minor injuries and bruising.

Mr Young, of Damask Road, Stanway, was arrested and attended Colchester Police Station for interview on Friday.

He is currently on police bail pending further inquiries. No charges have been made.

The leading Colchester councillor, who has represented St Andrew's Ward, Greenstead, since 1992, is Labour Group leader and council portfolio holder for housing, community safety and health.

He did not wish to speak personally about the incident.

Chris Lane, spokesman for the Labour Party Eastern Region, said on his behalf: "I can confirm that Mr Young did attend the police station on Friday night after he had been involved in some traffic chaos in the Middleborough area of the town.

"He expresses regret at the whole incident and blames complete confusion on his part and a large amount of confusion among other motorists at the arrangements put in place on Thursday afternoon."

Mr Lane added that Mr Young, who works at Colchester's Royal London as media and communications officer, was co-operating fully with the police investigation.

A police spokesman said he could not comment on the incident on Thursday at the Middleborough roundabout but that all incidents in which a police officer is injured are fully investigated to discover whether there had been an assault on that officer or not.

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