Emergency teams carrying out live demonstration of car crash in Higham Ferrers tonight

The Market Square in Higham Ferrers will be closed off tonight (Thursday) for the demonstration by Rushden firefighters and police officers, who are all now based at Rushden fire station.

The emergency teams will be showing what happens when they are called to a crash, how they help those involved and they will be cutting up and dismantling a vehicle as part of the event.

Watch manager at Rushden fire station Dan Retter said: “There will be a real car there and the police are going to turn up, breathalyse the driver and arrest him.

“There will also be a trapped person in the car so the fire brigade are going to turn up and help them.”

People watching the demonstration will be talked through the crash scenario as it unfolds on a loud speaker.

It is hoped the event will raise awareness about numerous road safety issues, including drink driving, driving while texting or using a mobile phone and speeding.

The event has been organised as part of several initiatives with the fire service and police working closer together following their move to Rushden fire station in Washbrook Road.

They recently teamed up with supermarkets and garages in the area to offer free car winter driving checks as well as giving out road safety information.

More events are in the pipeline, and it is hoped they will not only promote road safety but also provide the opportunity for the fire service and police to meet members of the public and talk about the work they do in the community.

The officers involved will also be joined by members of the Northamptonshire Emergency Services Cadets, who will be giving out leaflets about road safety.

The Market Square in Higham Ferrers will be closed off between 6pm and 9pm tonight, with the demonstration set to start at about 7pm.