Two Arrested Following Police Hit-and Run-in Manchester

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two police officers were injured in a deliberate hit-and-run in Manchester.

Police say the officers were injured when the suspects deliberately drove into them following a routine stop at Rochdale Road, Harpurhey on 24 February.

The officers had stopped the vehicle for speeding, but as they approached the car the driver reversed into the officers and then drove off.

Both officers were taken to hospital for treatment. One suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain, and remains in a stable condition. His injury is not believed to be life-threatening.

The other officer sustained a fractured wrist, which will need surgery.

The two suspects remain in police custody for questioning and a car has also been recovered for forensic analysis.

Assistant chief constable Garry Shewan said: "The two officers were out on patrol when they pulled over a car they believed was travelling at excess speed. However, as they were approaching the car on foot, the car was deliberately put into reverse and driven at the two officers.

"As a result, one of the officers suffered a fractured wrist and the other a fractured skull. Both men are in hospital receiving treatment and their families are with them. Our thoughts are with both the officers and their families as they recover from their injuries.

"Sadly, what this incident painfully highlights is the dangers officer face every day when protecting the public. What should have been a routine vehicle stop resulted in two officers being deliberately driven at and suffering serious injuries.

"I know the friends and colleagues of both officers will be anxious to know how the two men are doing, as it is always very unsettling when friends and colleagues are injured in the line of duty, so we will be offering support to anyone who needs it.

"What I do want to stress is that as a result of inquiries, we quickly traced what we believe to be the offending car to an address in Haslingden and arrested two people on suspicion of attempted murder. Those individuals remain in custody for questioning and we would continue to appeal to anyone who either witnessed the incident or has information to come forward."

Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.