Additional drugs arrest after police officer 'dragged along' by van in St Helens

Officers were alerted to a backpack, suspected to contain cannabis, which was left in the road on Hewitt Avenue at about 8.05pm on Tuesday, May 17.

Upon arrival at around 8.15pm, officers indicated that they were going to carry out a search of a Ford Transit van as its occupants were reported to be acting suspiciously.

Officers attended the scene on Hewitt Avenue after a backpack, suspected to be full of cannabis, was reported

As the officer reached into the vehicle, the driver of the van reportedly drove away, "dragging" the officer along the road.

The officer sustained a serious injury to his shoulder and wrist, and is receiving treatment in hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Two men from Rochdale, aged 26 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and were taken into custody to be questioned.

The 30-year-old has now also been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs (cocaine and cannabis).

The vehicle, which was left on Ecclesfield Road, has been recovered for forensic examination.

With the police officer in a stable condition, Assistant Chief Constable Paul White thanked members of the public who came to his aid "immediately after the incident" and those who reported the fleeing men.

The incident happened at around 8.15pm on Tuesday, May 17

In a statement, Paul White said: “Merseyside Police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public from harm every day and understand the risks their role carries.

“They go into dangerous situations involving violent and aggressive offenders day in, day out because they are committed to protecting the people of Merseyside.

“But our officers should never have to tolerate violence against them when they are attempting to carry out their duties.

“Incidents such as this are absolutely unacceptable and have such a massive impact on the officers, their families and colleagues in the force.

“My message to those who carry out violence against police is clear: please remember, whatever you think of us, one day you or your families may need our help too.

The police officer is said to be in a stable condition as he recovers in hospital

“We know the overwhelming majority of people appreciate their service and I want to take this opportunity to thank those members of the public who came to the officer’s aid immediately after the incident, and those who reported two men running into fields.

“The consequences of this incident could have been even worse, but I am pleased to say that the officer is receiving the care he needs from medical professionals, and he will continue to receive our full support as he recovers from this terrible incident.”

To aid their investigation, police are appealing to members of the public who witnessed the incident, or may have CCTV or dashcam footage of it, to come forward. the incident and are appeal 

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