A man has admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving after running over a police officer.
Emergency services were called to Hewitt Avenue shortly after 8pm on May 17 after a backpack filled with cannabis was found in the street. While the officer was collecting the bag, he approached a white Ford Transit van with a number of people inside.
The van was then driven at the officer before hitting him and leaving the scene. He suffered serious injuries to his shoulder and wrist after being dragged along the road, requiring hospital treatment.
Two men were arrested after a short chase and questioned over the incident. Today the suspects appeared by videolink from prison at a hearing held at Liverpool Crown Court today (Thursday). Umar Anwar, 30, of Birkdale Road, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
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Ahmmad Anwar, 26 of Deeplish Road, Rochdale, denied possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs - cocaine and cannabis. Both men have been remanded into custody, with Ahmmad Anwar's trial to begin on Monday, November 7. Umar Anwar will be sentenced at the conclusion of the trial.
At the time of the incident, 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.”
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