Police officer in St Helens suffers serious injuries after being 'dragged along by van'

Shortly after 8pm, it was reported a backpack, suspected to contain cannabis, was in the road on Hewitt Avenue, Old Eccleston.

Police attended and while one officer was retrieving the bag at about 8.15pm, a white

Ford Transit van was seen nearby and the “occupants observed acting suspiciously”.

Officers indicated they were going to search the vehicle under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

READ > Members of public praised for coming to officers' aid who was dragged along by van

But when a constable reached into the van in an attempt to search it, the driver drove away, dragging the officer along the road.

The officer sustained a serious injury to his shoulder and wrist.

He is receiving treatment in hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Police initially suggested the van had been driven at the officer but have since clarified that the officer was dragged along as the vehicle sped off.

'Serious injuries'

The officer sustained serious injuries to his shoulder, right arm and right leg. He has been taken to hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Police at the scene on Hewitt Avenue
A short time later it was reported two men were running from a vehicle into fields near the East Lancs Road and had discarded a bag.

READ > Additional arrest after police officer was 'dragged along by van'

Officers attended, the men were detained and the bag and vehicle - which had been left on Ecclesfield Road - were recovered for forensic examination.

Two men arrested

Two men from Rochdale have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and taken into custody to be questioned.
 

Police issue statement

Chief Inspector Jim Wilde said: “Every single day, Merseyside Police officers fearlessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public from harm.

“Our Emergency and Priority Response officers are called upon to attend incidents that can involve a whole range of criminality including the use of aggression, violence and weapons.

“They do so willingly, because they have joined the police service to protect people and keep Merseyside safe.

Investigations are ongoing at the scene on Hewitt Avenue

“Sadly, this evening our officer’s dedication has come at a great cost to himself. 

“Thankfully he is now receiving the care and treatment he needs, and everyone at Merseyside Police wishes him well. He will receive our full support as he recovers from this terrible incident.”

Chief Insp Wilde added: “We have made two arrests, spoken to a number of witnesses and are studying CCTV footage from the area following the incident.

“But I want to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any part of it, or who has CCTV or dashcam not yet submitted to police, to come forward.

“Your information or evidence could prove vital as we seek to bring those responsible to justice.”

People can pass on any information via DM @MerPolCC, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook quoting with reference 22000339976. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111