Police officer 'out of a coma and breathing' after hit-and-run in Coventry
5 October 2019, 14:54
West Midlands Police say an officer seriously injured in a suspected hit-and-run is out of a coma and breathing on his own.
PC Chris Burnham, 47, suffered a fractured skull and shattered knee after being struck by a Mini in Coventry on 25 September.
In an update from his force, where he has served for 25 years, the father was said to be out of his induced coma and was breathing without the aid of a ventilator.
The officer's wife, with whom he has a 10-year-old son, offered her thanks to the public for their support.
She told reporters: "My son and I and all our family would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their kind messages, love and ongoing support.
"It means so much at such a difficult time. We're reading all the messages to him to spur him on in his recovery."
He remains seriously ill and is expected to be in hospital for some time, police said.
Coventry Commander Chief Superintendent, Mike O'Hara, said: "This has been a hugely emotional and testing time for Chris, his family and his colleagues.
"We are in daily contact with Chris and Chris' wife and will do all we can to support them through this long and difficult journey.
"Policing is like a close family and there has been a real impact on how officers and staff have felt over the last week.
"Policing remains a difficult and dangerous job, but the officers and staff working in Coventry and across the wider region are magnificent and remain committed to getting out on the streets to prevent crime, protect the public and help those in need."
A Just Giving page to support the police officer's family has so far raised more than £2,000.
Tekle Lennox, 37, has been charged with attempted murder and driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance in connection with the incident.
He is due to appear at Warwick Crown Court on October 31.
