A TEENAGER says he feels lucky to be alive after the car he was travelling in was hit by a police van.

Nicholas Symes was a passenger in a Fiat Punto along with two other friends when it was hit by the van in Widmore Road, Bromley.

The trio were crossing the junction with Tweedy Road when their car was struck by the van.

Mr Symes, of Freelands Road, Bromley, said: "The van must have been doing between 50mph and 60mph when it hit us.

"The lights were flashing but the siren only started seconds before the crash.

"Our engine caught fire and the car filled with smoke. Both my friends passed out.

"The police who came to the scene went straight to the van but didn't help us at all. I had to drag my friends out."

Two ambulances attended the accident, as well as a fast response car and a fire engine, which put out the blaze.

Mr Symes was treated for cuts and bruises to his hips and legs and was taken to Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, along with both his friends, following the crash at 11.20pm on August 24.

The 18-year-old said: "Our car is a write-off. One of the ambulance crew said it was a million-to-one chance I would walk away from it, but I did. Obviously someone up there wants me to live."

The former Ravensbourne School pupil added: "I feel lucky to be alive.

"We should look up to the police but not when they behave like this."

A Bromley police spokesman said: "The van was responding to a call from another officer when the collision took place.

"The driver has been relieved from driving duties while the matter is investigated, as is standard.

"Collisions involving anyone, particularly police vehicles, are very unfortunate but we are grateful the injuries suffered by both parties were minor."