Ahead of Leeds United’s crucial play-off semi-final, a Land Rover belonging to defender Charlie Cresswell collided with a police car outside the club’s stadium, Elland Road. The incident occurred as players were preparing to report for the vital match against Norwich City. Shocking images captured the aftermath, depicting a severely damaged West Yorkshire Police patrol car alongside Cresswell’s Land Rover Defender. The circumstances surrounding the collision, including whether Cresswell was driving the £60,000 vehicle, remain unclear.
Emergency services responded to the crash near the club’s ticket office on Elland Road shortly before 10:15 am. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that an officer sustained minor injuries in the collision and received medical treatment. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported. Police have initiated inquiries into the incident to ascertain its circumstances.
Debris from the collision littered the road outside the West Stand, serving as a stark reminder of the event’s intensity. Leeds United faces a pivotal match in the Championship play-offs, with the winner progressing to Wembley to vie for promotion to the Premier League. The team will face either Southampton or West Bromwich Albion in the final showdown.
Charlie Cresswell, a native of Preston, has predominantly served as a substitute for Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side, experiencing limited playing time on the pitch. Despite his challenges at the club level, Cresswell was part of the England under-21 squad that clinched the 2023 European Under-21 Championship.
Leeds United has been approached for comment regarding the incident.