POLICE have confirmed the driver of a car which collided with a calf on Minchinhampton Common last night will not be suspended from driving duties.

The calf died after the collision at around 9.30pm, when police were en route to an emergency in Berkeley.

Its mother then died this morning, after colliding with a van on Cirencester Road.

A police spokesman said: "The officer involved was travelling in order to support colleagues dealing with an emergency incident.

"He was not driving with blue lights or sirens as he was some way off but was heading in that direction in case they required backup.

"He has an excellent driving record and is a very experienced and competent officer, who has just been requalified in March as part of a general refresher that all officers complete.

"This accident was very unfortunate and the officer will not be suspended from driving duties.

"This is a very sad incident that has caused everyone involved considerable distress."

Inspector Andy Poole said it was the first police car to have struck a cow on the common. 

"There are a number of cows on the Common at the moment and they're extremely skittish," said Insp Poole.

"People need to be aware that a cow not on the road could turn around and move in front of a car, causing significant damage."

Inspector Poole said he would be sending a message to all officers reminding them to be wary on the stretch of road. 

Though the speed limit of the road is 40mph, he advised that this speed would generally be unsafe at this time due to the presence of cows by the road.  

Around 500 cattle graze the land on Minchinhampton, Selsley and Rodborough commons, near Stroud between May and October.

Drivers are therefore being advised by safety groups to stick to an advisory 30mph limit across the commons while the cows are free roaming, as the cattle can be unpredictable and are often difficult to see during the night.