POLICE are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage of a crash in Alveston which put three members of a football club in hospital.
Two stolen cars were involved in the collision, which caused a minibus carrying members of the Roman Glass St George FC first team and coaching staff back from a match on Friday night.
Avon & Somerset police said emergency services were called to Old Gloucester Road at around 11.20pm to the collision, which also involved a third car.
A spokesperson said: “Two people were taken to hospital with suspected broken bones. No injuries are thought to be life-threatening or life changing.
“One person was arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing to locate two other people who left the scene before police arrived.
“It is believed two of the vehicles involved, two Mitsubishi Outlanders, were stolen from outside the force area.”
The force called on anyone with dashcam footage of the incident, or any other information about the circumstances to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 244 474.
Two players and assistant manager hospitalised
After the crash Roman Glass St George, who play in the Hellenic Premier League – the same division as Thornbury Town – released a statement, which said: “Two stolen vehicles were racing and driving erratically and despite our team bus driver taking evasive action, one of the stolen cars collided with our bus, causing it to overturn.
“Emergency services attended the scene and two players, Louis Ward and Shea Mannings, along with Assistant Manager Tony Beecham, sustained injuries that require hospital admission and treatment.
“Other players and back room staff, including Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist, Tom Goard, Charlie Saunders, Aidan Sanfelice, Christian Summerill and Finley Cummings, whilst badly shaken, escaped relatively unscathed.
“Everyone connected with Roman Glass St George FC are deeply upset and concerned for those involved, whilst thankful that none of the injuries are life threatening, or life changing,
“Our thoughts and best wishes are with all involved in this unfortunate and unnecessary incident.
“We wish everyone a speedy recovery and will offer support in any way possible to all members of the Glass Family.
“We would also like to say a special thanks to the emergency services who first responded to the incident and the staff of our NHS who have looked after those injured.
“All players, staff and committee of Roman Glass St George FC would once again like to thank everyone for their messages of support.”
The incident happened as the team returned from an away fixture at Longlevens, near Gloucester, which they had won 1-0.
Goodwill messages came in from clubs, players and fans across the region, including from Thornbury Town.