Two men will appear in court after a police officer was dragged along the road and left with serious injuries in a hit and run.
Merseyside police have charged the men, after an officer on duty was hit by a van at around 8.15pm, on Tuesday, May 17. The officer had been responding to reports a backpack suspected to contain cannabis was in Hewitt Road.
At the scene, one officer went to retrieve the bag, and the victim headed towards a nearby van after spotting the passenger and driver acting suspiciously. The officers approached the vehicle and said they were going to carry out a search of the vehicle under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
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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. He suffered serious injuries to his shoulder and wrist, and is receiving treatment in hospital where his condition is described as stable.
Umar Anwar, 30, of Birkdale Road, Rochdale, has now been charged with causing serious injury/GBH by dangerous driving. Ahmmad Anwar, 26 of Deeplish Road, Rochdale, was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A (cocaine) and Class B (cannabis) drugs.
Both men were remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Knowsley Sefton and St Helens adult remand court today, Thursday, May 19. In a statement after the incident, Assistant Chief Constable 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. 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.
"This 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."
