A POLICE officer is in hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a van.

The Star reported as details of the investigation unfolded last night, Tuesday, May 17.

The victim, a police officer, suffered serious injuries to his shoulder and wrist. He has been taken to hospital where his condition is described as stable.

READ: Police officer in St Helens suffers serious injuries

Here's an update on what we know so far.

What happened?

Last night a backpack, suspected to contain cannabis, was in the road on Hewitt Avenue, Old Eccleston.

Police attended and while one constable was retrieving the bag at about 8.15pm, an officer approached a white Ford Transit van whose occupants were acting suspiciously nearby.

Officers approached the vehicle and indicated they were going to carry out a search of the vehicle under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

When a constable reached into the vehicle in an attempt to carry out the search, the driver drove away, dragging the officer along the road.

The injured officer was then taken to hospital where he is still being treated.

Police had initially suggested the van had been driven at the officer but have since clarified how the incident unfolded.

Who has been arrested?

A short time after the incident, two men were running from a vehicle into fields near the East Lancs Road and had discarded a bag.

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

What do Merseyside Police say about it?

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.

READ: Star readers well wishes for police officer in hospital after being hit by van

“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."

How to contact police if you have information

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 22000339976, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via their online form at: Crimestoppers