Police officer ran over by ‘drug driver’ after hit and run crash

A police officer had to be taken to hospital after being knocked over by a driver in Southend[1] on Wednesday (September 6). Essex Police received reports that a driver failed to stop at the scene of a collision at Cuckoo Corner, just before Manners Way, at about 5.25pm.

When the driver was found and stopped by officers, they attempted to leave the scene and knocked over an officer with their car. The officer sustained minor injuries but had to be taken to hospital. The driver has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and drug driving.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddlestone said: "We are always working hard to keep our county’s roads safe. Everyone is entitled to travel safely on our roads, whether that’s a member of the public or one of our officers. I’m glad to say our officer is doing well after this incident, and I wish them a speedy recovery."

This is not the first time this month that a serving Essex Police officer was injured in the line of duty. On Saturday (September 2), officers attending an unconnected disturbance at an Epping restaurant[3] found a man who they wanted to speak to in connection with a recall to prison. During the incident, an officer was assaulted.

Essex Police[4] urges anyone who has any information or dash cam footage in relation to the Southend incident to get in touch with Southend CID. A spokesperson said: "Please quote incident 1062 of Wednesday 6 September.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

"Alternatively you can call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999. If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."

References

  1. ^ Southend (www.essexlive.news)
  2. ^ Police hunting for man after charity elephant sculpture damaged in Essex (www.essexlive.news)
  3. ^ officers attending an unconnected disturbance at an Epping restaurant (www.essexlive.news)
  4. ^ Essex Police (www.essexlive.news)