A FATHER has told of the injuries and shock he and his two young daughters suffered in a dramatic crash involving an ambulance car on its way to a 999 call.

The two-car collision happened in Waterloo Avenue in Leiston shortly after 2.30pm on Saturday.

A paramedic, who was driving the ambulance car to an emergency call in Thorpeness, was taken to hospital with minor injuries following the crash, while Edward Blowers and his two daughters, who were travelling in the other car, were checked over near the scene.

Mr Blowers, of Cross Street, Leiston, said the accident happened as he was driving his Peugeot 406 to a petrol station before taking his daughters – Lauren, nine, and Daisy, six – to a party.

The 36-year-old said the ambulance car was travelling towards him along Waterloo Avenue, with blue lights flashing, and had passed a number of stationary cars before the collision occurred.

“It was very scary and very upsetting for the girls, who were hysterical,” he said.

Emergency services were called to the crash, including a fire engine because of some potentially flammable equipment in the paramedic car.

“The paramedic was taken off to Ipswich Hospital and we were given the once-over at a friend’s house nearby.

“We were told we would be okay and didn’t need to go to hospital. But since then I’ve been to the doctor’s and I’ve got whiplash injuries and torn ligaments in my shoulder and I’m taking painkillers.”

The landscape gardener said his daughters, who live with their mother Shelly Bayley in Sussex and had been staying with him over the half-term break, had also gone to an accident and emergency department to be seen for bruises and whiplash.

Mr Blowers’ car was written off in the crash.

The East of England Ambulance Service said it was carrying out an internal investigation into the accident.

Police said they were also investigating the collision. Anyone with information is asked to call Pc Andrew Bashford at Woodbridge on 01473 613500.