Merseyside Police officer seriously injured after van 'drags him along road' in St Helens

Two men have been arrested after a police officer was dragged along the road by a van in Merseyside, leaving him with serious injuries.

Police were called to reports of a backpack, suspected to contain cannabis, lying in the on Hewitt Avenue, in St Helens, at around 8:05pm on Tuesday, 17 May.

While one officer attempted to retrieve the bag, a white Ford Transit van was seen nearby - its occupants described as "suspicious".

As he reached inside to search the vehicle, the driver set off, dragging the officer along the road with him. The van was driven away from the scene.

The officer is in a “stable” condition after he sustained serious injuries to his shoulder, right arm and right leg and was taken to hospital, according to Merseyside Police.

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

The 30-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.

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."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via Twitter direct message @MerPolCC or at ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook quoting reference 22000339976.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.