A man was arrested last week on suspicion of attempted murder after a police officer was hit by a car during an undercover operation aimed at tackling burglary in Bishop Auckland.
The officer, who was in plain-clothes was hit when a motorist appeared to drive directly at him before speeding off, leaving the injured officer on the ground.
The 37-year-old officer, who is based in Bishop Auckland, landed on the ground after going over the top of a Vauxhall Vectra. He was taken to University Hospital, North Durham where he was treated for injuries to his body and legs.
Officers pursued the car, arresting a 33-year-old local man on suspicion of attempted murder when the vehicle stopped on Tenters Street.
Lee Johnston, landlord at the Tut ’n’ Shive pub, was told about the incident by a friend who rang him to say there was police activity in Westgate Road, which runs behind the pub.
He said, “My friend had just left and was talking to the officers when it happened.He said the car drove straight at the officer. The car didn’t stop, it was a hit-and-run.
“There was a lot of police activity and it was not nice to see the officer on the floor.”
Officers were on the street speaking to people and stopping vehicles a week after a spate of burglaries in the town. Thieves caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage when they targeted Labrokes, in Saddler Street, and Thorntons, in Newgate Street in the early hours of Thursday 19th June. They left empty-handed from Thorntons, but stole a safe from Ladbrokes.
Witnesses to the collision, which happened at about 1am, are asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
