POLICE have thanked those who came to the aid of a police officer who was seriously injured after being run over by a van driver.

As the Star previously reported two men were jailed following the incident in which two constables were injured after a van driver made off as the officers attempted to carry out a drugs search.

READ MORE > Van driver who dragged police officer along road in escape bid jailed

On the evening of Tuesday, May 17, this year it was reported a backpack, suspected to contain cannabis, was in the road on Hewitt Avenue, Eccleston.

Emergency and Priority Response officers attended and while a constable was retrieving the bag, he approached a white Ford Transit van whose occupants were acting suspiciously nearby.

St Helens Star: A cordon on Hewitt Avenue A cordon on Hewitt Avenue (Image: Newsquest)

The van was then driven at one officer, colliding with him, before being driven away from the scene.

The officer sustained a serious injury to his shoulder, and injuries to his right arm and right leg.  

CCTV footage played in court showed the incident and residents in the area coming to the officer's aid. 

Meanwhile, the other officer was also injured in the incident.

St Helens Star: Umar Anwar was jailed for causing the officer serious injury by dangerous driving Umar Anwar was jailed for causing the officer serious injury by dangerous driving (Image: Merseyside Police)

Umar Anwar, 31, of Birkdale Road, Rochdale, was convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for 30 months. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years and three months. 

Ahmmad Anwar, 27, of Deeplish Road, Rochdale, was convicted of possession with intent to supply Class A (cocaine) and Class B (cannabis) drugs and was jailed for four years.

READ > Police officer left 'fearful he would never walk again' after being run over by van

After the sentencing, Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: “These men clearly had no regard for the safety of others, demonstrated by their reckless actions on that night which led to a police officer being seriously injured.

“Our officers put themselves in harm's way every day to protect law-abiding members of the public and while they understand the risks their job carries it is totally unacceptable that they should have to tolerate this level of violence.

“We know the overwhelming majority of people continue to appreciate what Merseyside Police does and I want to once again take the opportunity to thank the members of the public who came to the officer’s aid immediately after the incident and gave us information which was vital to our investigation.

“My message to those who choose to commit violent acts against police officer is simple: please remember, whatever you think of us, one day you or your families may need our help too.”