Man arrested after two police officers hit by car in Essex

15 January 2020, 12:29

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two police officers were hit by a car.

The pair had attempted to stop the vehicle in Chafford Hundred, Essex, on Tuesday evening before they were struck.

In an apparent bid to escape, the driver mounted a grass verge, hitting the officers and dragging one to the floor and running them over.

The other, a female officer, is said to have been punched in the face.

The 26-year-old suspect was arrested following a short chase and is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, assaulting a police officer, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, dangerous driving, failing to stop when directed and resisting arrest.

Chief Inspector Richard Melton, district commander for Thurrock in Essex, said: "Fortunately, our officers were not seriously injured and they have been discharged from hospital.

"Specialist officers have been carrying out welfare checks with them ahead of their return to work.

"A man continues to remain in custody for serious offences and we would like to hear from anyone who any information or footage that can assist us in our inquiries.

"No officer should ever be assaulted during their job, helping to keep communities safe."

Since last summer there have been a series of high-profile attacks on police officers, and a national safety review is under way.

Figures released last week by the Crown Prosecution Service showed 20,000 offences were charged under the Assaults on Emergency Workers Act in the year to November 2019.

A review sample suggested nine in ten assaults were against police officers.