Two Rochdale men arrested after officer struck by van in St Helens

Two men from Rochdale have been arrested in St Helens after a police officer was struck by a van on Tuesday (17 May).

A backpack suspected to contain cannabis had been reported as being in the road; whilst one constable was retrieving the bag, he approached a white Ford Transit van whose occupants were acting suspiciously nearby.

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

The officer sustained serious injuries to his shoulder, right arm and right leg and has been taken to hospital where his condition is described as stable.

A short time later it was reported two men were running from a vehicle into fields and had discarded a bag.

Officers attended, the men were detained and the bag and vehicle were recovered for forensic examination.

The Rochdale men have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and taken into custody to be questioned.

Chief Inspector Jim Wilde said: “Every single day, Merseyside Police officers fearlessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public from harm.

“Our Emergency and Priority Response officers are called upon to attend incidents that can involve a whole range of criminality including the use of aggression, violence and weapons.

“They do so willingly, because they have joined the police service to protect people and keep Merseyside safe.

“Sadly, this evening our officer’s dedication has come at a great cost to himself. 

“Thankfully he is now receiving the care and treatment he needs, and everyone at Merseyside Police wishes him well. He will receive our full support as he recovers from this terrible incident.”

Chief Insp Wilde added: “We have made two arrests, spoken to a number of witnesses and are studying CCTV footage from the area following the incident.

“But I want to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any part of it, or who has CCTV or dashcam not yet submitted to police, to come forward.

“Your information or evidence could prove vital as we seek to bring those responsible to justice.”

You can pass on any information via DM @MerPolCC on twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook quoting with reference 22000339976.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.